Vatican sex abuse investigator taken to hospital in Chile

The special envoy sent to Chile by the Pope to investigate allegations of a sex abuse cover-up is in hospital after taking ill in the country.

The problems affecting Charles Scicluna are not extremely serious, "but neither are we dealing with a very simple ailment", Catholic bishop's conference spokesman Jaime Coiro said.

The Maltese bishop began meeting victims and others opposed to the appointment of a bishop accused of covering up for the country's most notorious paedophile priest.

Mr Coiro said Pope Francis has called for interviews with witnesses to continue from Wednesday through to Friday as planned. A Spanish priest who is assisting Bishop Scicluna will take part.

- PA