Priest under investigation over illegal adoptions

A Sacred Heart priest is under investigation after allegedly ­placing babies for illegal adoption in the 1970s and 1980s, writes Isabel de Bertodano.

A judge in Chile has instructed Fr Gerardo Joannon to stay in the country until October, while the inquiry studies 14 suspected illegal adoptions. An earlier review by his diocese concluded that Fr Joannon, who is 77, was involved in two irregular adoptions.

A 93-year-old nun who is living in a nursing home is also implicated in the case, which involved a wider network of doctors and other professionals.