Overview
- The preliminary inquiry has been closed and the case has been placed before the competent tribunal as prosecutors weigh whether to seek an oral trial or request dismissal.
- The accusation stems from an alleged non-consensual encounter on May 23, 2025, at Pelayo’s Rome residence following an earlier meeting that ended without incident.
- The complainant, a 40-year-old journalist, filed a police report days after the episode and later moved to another city, citing fear of future contact.
- Investigators collected communications attributed to Pelayo that include apologies and acknowledgments of inappropriate behavior, which were added to the case file.
- Pelayo, 81, is an ordained priest and longtime Vatican reporter associated with Antena 3, COPE and Vida Nueva, and neither he nor his legal representatives have issued public statements.