"We are in constant contact with the Polish authorities and are working closely with them," Francisco Dominguez Brito, the Dominican Republic's attorney general has told reporters.

Father Wojciech Gil and Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski face trials, possibly in Poland, following a wide ranging investigation into paedophilia in the Roman Catholic Church on the Caribbean island.

"The procedure is likely to take place in Poland and Vatican City. We are providing full assistance to the victims. The acts referred to here are absolutely unacceptable. The perpetrators must meet punishment," the attorney general added.

Media in the Dominican Republic reported at the weekend that the alleged sexual abuse of boys by Father Gil and Jozef Wesolowski - who was the Vatican's representative at the time - was alerted to police by Francisco Javier Occis Reyes, a deacon being held by police on charges of the sexual abuse of a minor.

"There are cases being talked about that not only I know about, but many people in the Church also know," Occis told the Channel 9 TV station.

Father Gil, who has not returned to the Dominican Republic since holidaying in Poland in May, was tracked down to his parents home by police in southern Poland.

Gil told Poland's TVP television last week that he is innocent of the charges made against him.

The priests could face up to 12 years in prison if found guilty of the sexual abuse of minors and Gil faces 10 years in prison for the possession of child pornography. (pg)