This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, the Catholic Church launched an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against retired Italian priest Mario Lacchin.
Lacchin, a former missionary priest, is accused of luring and impregnating a 16-year-old girl 30 years ago, before abandoning her.
The allegations surfaced when a 30-year-old man, Gerald Olebon, approached Lacchin claiming paternity ties. Olebon stated that he was raised by a man with whom he had zero resemblance, and that the man who raised him had a skin tone four shades darker.
Olebon requested that Lacchin perform a paternity test to confirm their relationship, but Lacchin denied the request and instead accused Olebon of fabricating lies against a servant of God.
The case has highlighted concerns about the Catholic Church's handling of allegations of abuse and exploitation by clergy members.
