Romanian Priest, Father Valentin, Under Investigation in Drowning of 6 Week-Old Baby During Baptism

Romanian priest, Father Valentin, under police investigation, in the accidental drowning death of a six-week old baby during his baptism.

Father Valentin, a priest in Moldova, is under police investigation in the accidental drowning of a six-week old baby during his baptism. According to 9 News, witnesses said the priest did not cover the baby's mouth during the ritual.

Father Valentin had denied being responsible for the baby's death during the baptism. The baby died on the way to the hospital and an autopsy reportedly found he had drowned. The baby's father, Dumitru Gaidau told Romania's Publica TV that his son was clearly in distress during the ceremony.

"He couldn't inhale, his face turned blue and he was foaming at the mouth. He [the priest] said we should not interrupt this their ritual," he said. "We couldn't believe it that he just put his hand over his belly and over the head and submerged him three times in the water." Source

This is a sad, sad case. My thoughts and prayers go out to the parents of this baby. The priest should get what's due to him. Not just a slap on the wrist but some time behind bars. If it is true that the father had informed him of the baby's discomfort, then he should have halted the baptism.