Spanish Catholic church investigates Cadiz bishop Rafael Zornoza over sexual abuse claims from the 1990s, as Vatican orders inquiry.
MADRID: Spain’s Roman Catholic church is investigating the bishop of Cadiz following accusations he sexually abused a youth during the 1990s.
The Cadiz and Cueta diocese announced the investigation after El Pais reported the Vatican had launched its own inquiry into Bishop Rafael Zornoza.
A diocese statement confirmed the case was presented last week before an apostolic tribunal in Spain.
The diocese described the nearly 30-year-old accusations as “very serious and, moreover, false”.
Zornoza has “temporarily suspended” all engagements to clarify the facts and continue treatment for aggressive cancer.
The statement called for respect for “the presumption of innocence”.
El Pais reported Zornoza sexually abused the youth in the 1990s while serving as a priest running a seminary near Madrid.
The victim alleged unwanted “caresses” and “kisses” occurred when he was aged 14 to 21 during camps and at the seminary.
The accusations fall outside Spain’s statute of limitations for criminal prosecution.
El Pais reported the victim sent the accusations to the Vatican this year, prompting the inquiry.
Neither the bishop nor the Vatican responded to AFP’s questions.
Madrid Archbishop Jose Cobo described the situation as a “drama” when questioned by journalists.
The Spanish church faces regular criticism over its handling of sexual abuse by clergy.
Pope Francis dismissed an Italian deacon convicted of child abuse in September, his first major sanction against sexual abuse since becoming pope. – AFP
