Conviction Christian institutions & contexts Catholic Genoa, tried in Savona, Italy · 2025

Italy: priest sentenced to 10 years for repeated sexual violence against a 12-year-old altar boy

Record class

Core record

Evidence status

Convicted

Authority role

Catholic priest and former elementary school director

Organization

No organization assigned

Spiritual nexus

The victim was the priest's altar boy — a liturgical role placing the child directly under his supervision and spiritual authority in the parish.

Evidence structure

Proceedings

2025-10-24 · conviction and sentence (appeal pending)

Tribunal of Savona, Italy. Don Andrea Melis was sentenced to 10 years by the Tribunal of Savona for repeated sexual abuse of a 12-year-old altar boy, groomed with gifts including video games, designer clothing and phone credit. As of May 2026 his lawyers were seeking a reduced sentence on appeal.

Primary record

national news agency verdict and sentencing report 'Violenza sessuale su minore, prete condannato a 10 anni', ANSA, 24 Oct. 2025.: Italy's national news agency reports the Savona tribunal's 10-year sentence for abuse of an altar boy.

Related record