A Catholic bishop in Spain is under investigation by the Vatican following an allegation of sexual abuse, which he categorically denies, his diocese confirmed in a statement on Monday.
The newspaper El País reported earlier in the day that Bishop Rafael Zornoza (main image) is being investigated over claims he sexually abused a teenage boy in the 1990s.
According to the Diocese of Cádiz y Ceuta, Zornoza has temporarily stepped back from his public duties while the inquiry is carried out and has pledged full cooperation with Church authorities.
Zornoza, who has headed the southern diocese since 2011, is the first Spanish bishop known to be investigated by the Vatican in connection with an abuse allegation.
The global Catholic Church, with 1.4 billion members, has faced decades of abuse and cover-up scandals that have severely damaged its reputation and cost hundreds of millions of dollars in legal settlements. ALSO READ: Spanish government wants Catholic Church to compensate its victims of sex abuse.
The Cádiz y Ceuta diocese said the matter was being examined by a Church tribunal convened at the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Madrid. ALSO READ: Up to 440,000 victims of child abuse in Spanish church, Ombudsman reports.
‘The accusations being made, referring to events that took place nearly thirty years ago, are very serious and also false,’ the diocese said.
‘There is full confidence in the justice system, and full cooperation will be provided in everything that is required,’ it added.
‘At the same time, it is necessary to remember to respect the presumption of innocence that applies to all persons.’
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
“Escribo esta carta solo con la intención de evitar que lo que me pasó a mí le pueda seguir pasando a otro niño”. El Vaticano ha abierto una investigación contra el obispo de Cádiz y Ceuta, Rafael Zornoza, por presuntamente agredir sexualmente a un menor https://t.co/iKMrr5q5Qd
— EL PAÍS (@el_pais) November 10, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.