diocesan

“Priests can have a risk assessment which can indicate a level of risk” and “the powers of a diocesan bishop are limited,” says the bishop.

It also said: “Rosenberg was not accused of stealing money from any diocesan entities nor did his crimes relate to any official role held within the diocese.”

In addition to many diocesan assets, the government confiscated the prestigious University of Central America, whose Jesuit leaders had opened the doors to student protestors fleeing police and paramilitary attacks.

A diocesan spokesperson said the crimes showed "serious unacceptable behaviour for any priest" and that safeguarding processes had improved significantly.

Becciu argued that the local bishop requested the money to build a bakery to employ at-risk youths and that the money remained in the diocesan coffers.