Priest at cathedral of 'restored' Ecce Homo arrested
Saturday, November 30, 2013 @ 11:03 PM
THE priest in charge of the cathedral in Borja (Zaragoza province) where 82-year-old Cecilia Giménez 'restored' a 19th-century fresco of the Ecce Homo has been arrested.
Although the charges which led to his being taken into custody are said to be 'of a financial nature', they are not in principle thought to have any connection with the painting itself, or the one-euro charge made to 'pilgrims' from all over the world who travelled to see Cecilia's attempted restoration.
The priest was not said to be involved in collecting fees for viewing the painting, and the matter he is thought to be involved with is said to be something the Guardia Civil has 'been investigating for some time'.
He has been released with charges pending an official communication from the Archbishop of Tarazona.
Dozens of villagers have gathered outside the cathedral carrying banners and showing their support for the priest. They include the Ecce Homo restorer Cecilia herself, who says she and the other residents have 'no idea' why he was arrested and that his being taken into custody has caused 'disgust and astonishment' in the village'.
“If he's looking for support, Borja's right here,” Cecilia stated. “He's a really good person, and everyone in Borja is very fond of him.” The priest has been based in the village for over 20 years.
Cecilia, who claimed she had restored numerous frescoes in the cathedral in the past and that the Ecce Homo work was not finished when its new appearance hit the world's headlines, initially took to her bed with a panic attack and feeling very distressed, particularly as the descendants of the original artist were threatening to sue her for criminal damage.
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