Group Demands Cardinal Be Tried

A leading Argentine human rights group has asked Italy to prosecute the pope’s former envoy to Argentina for his alleged role in the torture, slaying and disappearance of thousands of people during the so-called “dirty war.”

The accusations against Pio Laghi, one of the Roman Catholic Church’s most prominent cardinals, were brought by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who have campaigned for 20 years on behalf of victims of Argentina’s military dictatorship.

In a complaint lodged Monday, they asked Italy’s justice ministry to prosecute Laghi for alleged torture, murder and kidnapping while he was papal ambassador to Argentina from 1974 to 1980.