Bishop of Cadiz ‘steps back from duties’ as Vatican announces investigation into historic child abuse claims

The Vatican launched a formal inquiry into a historic accusation of child sexual abuse.

Rafael Zornoza is the Bishop of Cadiz & Ceuta. He has been accused of sexually abusing minors between 14 and 21 years old in Getafe near Madrid in the late 90s, when he served as a priest in the Diocese Getafe.

Zornoza is now 76 and his case marks the very first investigation of a Catholic bishop who was responsible for a certain region in Spain.

In a statement, the Diocese of Cadiz and Ceuta said Zornoza had decided to temporarily suspend his public duties to ‘clarify events’ and focus on treatment for cancer.

“The allegations made, which refer to events that occurred almost thirty years back, are very grave and also false,” said the statement.

In a letter obtained from a Spanish newspaper El PaísThe alleged victim alleges that Zornoza had abused her for years. She would enter his room in the night to kiss and touch him.

He claims that the abuse began when he turned 14 years old and continued until he reached adulthood.

The abuse happened at night, when he entered the room. “He got into bed with me, kissed me and caressed my face,” reads the letter.

READ MORE: Independent report declares child sexual abuse a ‘serious problem’ within Spain’s Catholic church after calculating at least 2,056 victims

“I wake up every morning the same.” At that time, I never said anything to him – paralysis controlled me.”

The alleged victim claims that ten years after leaving seminary, he sent Zonora a message in which he accused Zonora of abuse and manipulative.

The bishop did not respond.

A complaint was then formally launched earlier this summer – but safeguarding concerns have been raised after it emerged that the bishop was allowed to remain in his position until this week, a role that includes contact with minors, despite a credible allegation of child abuse.

According to El PaísWhen it comes to providing information on abuse by clergy, the Cadiz diocesan is one of Spain’s least cooperative.

The newspaper claims that more than 1500 clergy members have been accused in Spain of sexual abuse.

Meanwhile, a 2023 investigation by Spain’s ombudsman found that 0.6% of the country’s adult population had suffered sexual abuse from a clergy member as a child – amounting to more than 200,000 victims.

Zornoza became the bishop of Cadiz & Ceuta in 2011 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned Antonio Ceballos Atienza.

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