A papal ambassador who was on trial for child abuse charges, Jozef Wesolowski, died early Friday.

The Vatican said his death was due to natural causes.

Wesolowski was accused of possession of child pornography as well as offenses related to the sexual abuse of minors during his time as papal nuncio to the Dominican Republic

His trial had to be delayed last month when he fell ill and was rushed to a local hospital.

Wesolowski, 66, was the highest-ranking Catholic official arrested for alleged sexual abuse of minors.