ROME
Adnkronos

Rome, 25 June (AKI) – Prosecutors are probing four high ranking Catholic churchmen over allegations they sexually abused young boys, several Italian media outlets reported on Tuesday.

The probe by Rome prosecutors comes after a former priest, Patrizio Poggi reported to police around 20 allegedly paedophile priests, among them five prelates including an unnamed Monsignor and the private secretary to a bishop.

Poggi also presented to police a young male witness and gave the names of the alleged sexual abuse victims.

The probe spearheaded by prosecutor Maria Monteleone is also investigating a suspected prostitution racket that arranged gay encounters for priests.

After a tip-off from Poggi, police tailed a former soldier and alleged ‘recruiter’ and observed him accompanying a teenage boy inside a Rome church.