The French authorities are investigating allegations that the Vatican's ambassador to the country molested a junior official at a reception at Paris City Hall.
Archbishop Luigi Ventura, aged 74, is suspected of having touched the buttocks of the male junior staff member during the Mayor's New Year address last month.
A city official said the allegations involved an employee from the mayor's team who had been tasked with looking after the Nuncio during the ceremony.
A judicial source confirmed a preliminary investigation into Dr Ventura was under way.
Dr Ventura has served as apostolic nuncio to France since 2009 and is covered by diplomatic immunity.
His Paris office did not respond to a request for comment.
Dr Ventura previously served in Brazil, Bolivia and Britain before being appointed papal nuncio to Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Niger, Chile and then Canada.
