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The Apostolic Nuncio to France Luigi Ventura, Lourdes, November 7, 2010 Fuente: AFP.

This is an unprecedented decision. The Holy See agreed to lift the diplomatic immunity of the Apostolic Nuncio to Paris, Msgr. Luigi Ventura. The Italian prelate is suspected of sexual assault on several young men. By this measure, the Holy See gives France the possibility of organizing a trial of its representative.

With our correspondent in Rome, Eric Sénanque

The Holy See has therefore yielded. Three months after the request made by Paris, the diplomatic immunity enjoyed by Bishop Luigi Ventura was finally lifted, the decision of the Holy See having been communicated last week to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The spokesman for the Holy See said it was " an extraordinary measure that confirms the will expressed by the nuncio himself to collaborate fully and spontaneously with the French judicial authorities ." A rather flattering formula for the Italian nuncio who at his request had been confronted at the end of May before the judicial police to four young men accusing him of sexual assault .

Bishop Ventura denies the charges against him and even denounced "a conspiracy" on the part of his victims. This decision is no less historic for the Vatican, where a few days ago, few believed that this immunity could be lifted. It proves that the lines are moving and that the Holy See is gradually trusting the civil justice of the countries.

In recent months Pope Francis has published two motu proprio, decrees putting Church leaders in charge of their responsibilities in case of sexual assault or abuse.

Bishop Ventura, 74, and ambassador of the Holy See for 10 years, can now be tried in a French civil court.