BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)
Daily News Hungary [Budapest, Hungary]
December 5, 2024
By Hetzmann Mercédesz
The Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest, led by Cardinal Péter Erdő, has announced that well-known priest András Pajor has been barred from all clerical activities following serious allegations. This marks the second high-profile case involving church figures with close ties to the government in recent weeks.
In its statement, the Archdiocese explained that a complaint had been filed with its Child and Youth Protection Service, leading to a preliminary investigation. Pending its outcome, Pajor was suspended and later requested to be relieved of his duties due to his age and health.
According to Válasz Online’s report, he has since been retired, although the investigation and restrictions remain in place. Additionally, the matter has been reported to the police.
Known for his political allegiances: Fidesz, Russia András Pajor, a parish priest from Zugló, has been a controversial figure in Hungary, openly campaigning for Fidesz, criticizing opposition parties, and promoting anti-migrant and pro-Putin conspiracy theories. Last year, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit for his contributions to Christian culture and youth education, an award proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and presented by President Katalin Novák.
Reports from Válasz Online indicate that multiple victims came forward after hearing a podcast by a Catholic child protection advocate, Benedictine friar Benedek Dobszay. One victim noted, “In the past, we buried this issue within ourselves, feeling it was hopeless to seek action against Father Pajor. This time, however, we saw immediate and thorough measures, including detailed witness interviews.”
Disturbing allegations against the priest
Victims have described systematic abuse of power and authority by Pajor, often targeting altar boys. Allegations include invasive “tick checks” requiring boys as young as eight to undress fully and submit to physical inspections (which included touching the young boys’ private parts), which reportedly continued into their teenage years. Pajor allegedly also performed full-body massages on selected boys and subjected them to questionable “therapies” like quartz lamp treatments.
Witnesses emphasised that the abuse was not limited to isolated incidents, with multiple individuals providing testimony to church investigators. When approached, the priest declined to comment on the allegations.
Broader context
This case follows recent revelations of abuse within the Kalocsa Archdiocese. The Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a statement expressing “sympathy and sorrow” for victims of clerical abuse but avoided issuing an apology or acknowledging systemic issues.
Critics argue that Hungary’s Catholic Church has historically underreported cases of abuse, with investigative outlets like 444 documenting numerous cases over the past 25 years. While many remain shocked by these recent allegations, they underscore the persistent relevance of addressing clerical abuse in Hungary. Observers note that the swift action in Pajor’s case contrasts with the church’s historically opaque handling of such matters, potentially signaling a shift in its approach.
Source: dailynewshungary.com https://dailynewshungary.com/government-close-priest-sexual-abuse-case/