In a shocking development, Don Ciro Panigara, a 48-year-old priest from San Paolo in Brescia, has been arrested on charges of aggravated sexual violence against minors. This arrest follows a series of disturbing revelations about his conduct during his tenure in various parishes in the region.
Don Panigara, who had only been serving as the pastor of San Paolo for three months, resigned in January 2025 after a young boy reported to an educator that he had received "special attention" from the priest. This alarming incident prompted an immediate investigation by local authorities.
During a mass on January 5, 2025, Bishop Pierantonio Tremolada read a letter to the congregation announcing Don Panigara's resignation. The bishop stated, "Unfortunately, situations and critical issues have emerged that advise interrupting his experience in your parish communities immediately." This announcement left the faithful in shock and confusion.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities discovered that the allegations against Don Panigara were not isolated incidents. Reports indicated that he had been involved in similar misconduct during his previous assignments in Adro, where he served as a curate from 2008 to 2013. Allegations of sexual violence against minors reportedly date back to 2012 and 2013.
On April 16, 2025, the Carabinieri of Verolanuova executed a precautionary custody order, placing Don Panigara under house arrest. The charges include numerous acts of aggravated sexual violence against minors who had been entrusted to him for parish activities. According to the investigation, these incidents occurred between 2011 and 2013 and again in 2024.
The investigation was triggered by the testimony of a young boy who confided in an educator about the inappropriate behavior he experienced. This prompted further inquiries into Don Panigara's past, revealing a pattern of abuse. It is reported that several boys, all between the ages of 10 and 12, had been subjected to inappropriate touching and other forms of sexual abuse while under his supervision.
In a statement, the Carabinieri confirmed that the priest had exploited the trust placed in him by families, who believed their children were safe in his care during parish activities. The investigation has uncovered multiple alleged victims, with some reports suggesting that the number could be as high as six.
Don Panigara's ecclesiastical career began with his ordination as a priest in June 2004. His assignments included serving as a vicar in Isorella, Adro, and as a chaplain at the Poliambulanza Hospital in Brescia. He later became a parish administrator in Visano before briefly taking on the role of pastor in San Paolo.
The Diocese of Brescia has faced significant scrutiny as a result of this scandal. The bishop's letter, which was read during mass, emphasized the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community. "The bewilderment that this decision provokes in all of you faithful is understandable," the bishop remarked. He also noted that Don Panigara resigned to pursue his personal path with more freedom.
As the investigation continues, the community of San Paolo and surrounding areas is grappling with the fallout from these revelations. Many families are left feeling betrayed, having entrusted their children to a figure of authority who has now been accused of such heinous acts.
The case of Don Ciro Panigara is not an isolated incident within the Church, as similar allegations have surfaced in various dioceses across Italy. This has raised concerns about how allegations of abuse are handled and the measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals within religious institutions.
Victims of abuse are now being encouraged to come forward, and support services are being made available to assist those affected by Don Panigara's actions. The Carabinieri have stated that they are committed to pursuing justice for the victims and ensuring that such abuses do not go unpunished.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains in a state of shock and disbelief. Many are calling for greater accountability within the Church and stricter measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In a time when trust in religious institutions is being questioned, the case of Don Ciro Panigara serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for systemic change to protect the most vulnerable.
