A scandal is unfolding in the Italian capital involving Antonio Pelayo, a well-known Spanish journalist and Catholic priest. In May, immediately following Pope Francis’s death and the election of the new pontiff, hundreds of media representatives gathered in Rome. It was during this period, according to investigators, that the incident now under close scrutiny by the prosecutor’s office occurred.
Pelayo, who is now 81 years old, invited an Italian colleague to his home—a journalist he had met during frequent coverage of events in the Vatican. What began as a friendly evening took an unexpected turn: the guest claims that his host attempted to initiate intimate contact without consent. Feeling unsafe, the man was forced to leave the apartment.
Five months after the incident, the prosecutor’s office concluded its investigation. Based on the examination of the alleged victim’s testimony and other details of the case, investigators determined there are sufficient grounds for charges. Now, a decision is pending on whether the case will go to trial or be dismissed.
According to investigators, Pelayo later sent several messages to his colleague expressing regret over what had happened. Nevertheless, the situation has sparked considerable public reaction in both the Spanish and Italian media. It is important to note that Pelayo is not a staff member of Antena 3, but collaborates as an external expert on Vatican-related matters.
In May, as historic changes unfolded in the Vatican, Pelayo was actively reporting live, sharing his emotions and memories of the late Pope. His reports stood out for their sincerity, as he had a warm relationship with Francisco. Now, however, the journalist’s name has become central to a very different story, and the next developments will depend on the court’s decision.
