# Sexual abuse allegations in Vilnius Archdiocese

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sexual-abuse-allegations-in-vilnius-archdiocese
> Updated: 2026-08-13T13:58:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

A sexual abuse scandal has emerged involving priests from the Vilnius Archdiocese in Lithuania. Prosecutors have brought criminal charges against Tadas Švedavičius, a 56-year-old priest, for 34 alleged offenses against 11 victims between 2002 and 2025. The charges include sexual assault, child rape, the use of child pornography, and encouraging minors to consume alcohol.

In addition to the case against Švedavičius, a second criminal case involving priest Ryšardas Peciunas has been handed to prosecutors. 

The Vatican has responded through the Apostolic Nunciature, stating it is monitoring the situation with concern and maintains a “zero-tolerance policy toward abuse.” Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Equality Controller, Birutė Sabatauskaitė, has called for a review of sexual violence prevention and victim support, criticizing hierarchical structures that may allow abuse to be concealed.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Vilnius Archdiocese priests face sexual abuse allegations

Two criminal cases involving allegations of sexual abuse by priests in the Vilnius Archdiocese have been sent to prosecutors, prompting a response from the Vatican and calls for systemic reform in Lithuania.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vilnius-archdiocese-priests-face-sexual-abuse-allegations

### 2026-08-11: Vilnius Archdiocese priest charged with 34 sexual crimes against minors

A Vilnius Archdiocese priest faces 34 charges of sexual crimes against minors in Lithuania, allegedly committed over a 23-year period involving 11 recognized victims.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuanian-priest-charged-with-sexual-offenses-against-11-victims

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Cite as: Sexual abuse allegations in Vilnius Archdiocese. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sexual-abuse-allegations-in-vilnius-archdiocese