Chile: Vatican Envoy in Sex Abuse Case Is Hospitalized

Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, the Maltese priest who met with sex abuse victims of Chilean priest Father Miguel Karadima, is undergoing gallbladder surgery. Karadima was convicted in 2011 for abusing several young male apprentices.

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Jaime Coiro, a spokesman for the Catholic bishop's conference, said that Scicluna's medical condition is not serious “but neither are we dealing with a simple ailment.” He has been hospitalized in San Carlos de Apoquindo Hospital in Santiago, Chile, according to Malta Today.

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is a procedure used to remove the gallbladder and gallstones. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities seven to 10 days after the surgery.

Scicluna, touted as one of the Vatican's most experienced investigators, was dispatched to Chile to take part in the investigations into Bishop Juan Barros, who is alleged to have covered up crimes against children.

Known for his role in the sexual abuse investigation that led to the removal of late Mexican priest Marcial Maciel in 2005, Scicluna was sent to the South American country after Pope Francis was criticized during his visit last month for defending Barros, who he appointed in 2015 despite accusations he had covered up sexual abuse of minors.

Several men have accused Barros of protecting his former mentor, Karadima, who was found guilty in a Vatican investigation in 2011 of abusing them and others when they were boys.

"I have come to Chile, sent by Pope Francis, to gather useful information concerning Monsignor Juan Barros," Scicluna said in a short statement to reporters after the meetings. "I want to express my gratitude to the people who have expressed their willingness to meet me in the next few days."