Written By |
Two ecstasy pills were found at the scene, and traces of drugs were detected on the victim’s body
Search
BRUSSELS - A 69-year-old British clergyman has died following a night of drug use and sex with a Belgian priest, Belgian authorities have confirmed. The British priest, whose identity remains undisclosed, was spending the evening with his fellow cleric, a 60-year-old priest known only as Pastor B., at a rectory in Kalmthout, north of Antwerp. After taking ecstasy and poppers, the British clergyman suddenly became unwell, according to the prosecutor's office. Pastor B. called emergency services just after midnight, but paramedics were unable to resuscitate his companion.
The incident has shocked the small parish of Heide, where the Belgian priest serves. Two ecstasy pills were found at the scene, and traces of drugs were detected on the victim’s body. A preliminary urine test confirmed the presence of ecstasy, but an autopsy is required to determine the exact cause of death. The Belgian priest has been charged with "trafficking in narcotics resulting in death" and was questioned by investigators on Friday. Authorities have stated that elements of his statement require further investigation.
Pastor B. had reportedly been visiting colleagues in connection with the Pope's visit to Belgium. Pope Francis concluded his weekend trip on Sunday, amid growing criticism over the Catholic Church’s handling of clergy abuse cases.
The Pope responded with a strong condemnation of abuse within the Church
During his visit, Pope Francis faced calls from Belgium’s King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo for more decisive action to help survivors of abuse. The Pope responded with a strong condemnation of abuse within the Church, stating, "There is no place for abuse, and no place for the cover-up of abuse," during a mass at Brussels' King Baudouin Stadium, which was attended by 37,000 people.
In other events, Pope Francis faced scrutiny for his stance on the role of women in the Church. At UCLouvain, professors and students expressed their disapproval of the Church's teachings on women, particularly regarding the ban on the ordination of women.
Source: Daily Mail
