The Papal Nuncio, Dr Luciano Storero, and the Bishop of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey, are being sued for damages by a Co Wexford man who claims he was one of a number of boys sexually abused by the late Father Sean Fortune.
At the High Court yesterday, the hearing of a claim by Dr Storero that he is entitled to immunity from the court's jurisdiction was adjourned to January 24th. Dr Storero is applying to have the summons set aside.
The action for damages is being taken by Mr Paul Molloy (28), of Saltmills, Fethard-on-Sea. It is alleged by Mr Molloy he complained in 1988 to Dr Comiskey about being sexually abused by Father Fortune, who died earlier this year. A post-mortem confirmed he had committed suicide.
Father Fortune faced 29 charges of sexual abuse against young boys at the time of his death and was also accused by former parishioners in Co Wexford of fraud.