Belgian police raided the headquarters of the Belgian Catholic Church on Thursday, confiscating computers and files.
The raid came as part of an investigation by Belgian authorities into sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests.
The raid at the “archbishop’s palace” in the northern city of Mechelen took place while all Belgian bishops were gathered there for their monthly meeting.
The bishops were barred from leaving the premises or contacting the outside world for hours as police searched the building, according to the official website of the church of Flanders.
Police also searched the residence of former Archbishop Godfried Danneels, and confiscated his computer.
Just like in other European countries, claims of sexual child abuse by priests have appeared in recent months in Belgium.
In April, Belgian Bishop Roger Vangheluwe resigned after it appeared that he had abused his nephew. Photo Caption(s) & Photo Location(s)
The raid came as part of an investigation by Belgian authorities into sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests.
The raid at the “archbishop’s palace” in the northern city of Mechelen took place while all Belgian bishops were gathered there for their monthly meeting.
The bishops were barred from leaving the premises or contacting the outside world for hours as police searched the building, according to the official website of the church of Flanders.
Police also searched the residence of former Archbishop Godfried Danneels, and confiscated his computer.
Just like in other European countries, claims of sexual child abuse by priests have appeared in recent months in Belgium.
In April, Belgian Bishop Roger Vangheluwe resigned after it appeared that he had abused his nephew. Photo Caption(s) & Photo Location(s)
