Diocese of Urgell suspends priest from pastoral duties following sexual abuse allegations

The Diocese of Urgell announced on Monday that it has suspended a priest from his pastoral duties following allegations of sexual abuse, prohibiting him from publicly exercising his priestly ministry while the allegations are investigated.

The decision was announced after representatives of the diocese held an in-person meeting with the complainant on November 9, as previously agreed on October 30.

According to an official statement issued by the diocese, the complainant was given the opportunity to speak freely and provide his account of the alleged events that prompted the investigation.

Priest banned from publicly exercising his ministry during investigation

After hearing the complainant's account, the diocese decided to introduce two precautionary measures against the priest concerned: removing him from his pastoral duties and prohibiting him from publicly exercising his priestly ministry.

These restrictions will remain in place while the investigation into the allegations continues.

The decision follows reports of a sexual abuse complaint against a priest belonging to the diocese. The Diocese of Urgell had activated the relevant protocol on October 17, after identifying the priest named in the complaint.

The measures do not constitute a finding of guilt, but have been adopted as a precaution while the allegations are investigated.

Diocese offers psychological and spiritual support to complainant

In its statement, the Diocese of Urgell confirmed that it had once again offered the complainant psychological and spiritual support, while assuring him that the allegations would be investigated promptly.

The diocese also expressed its willingness to listen to, welcome and support all individuals involved in the proceedings.

At the same time, the Diocese of Urgell called for caution while the investigation and relevant procedures are underway.

The statement does not disclose the priest's identity or provide further details about the alleged incidents.

The investigation remains ongoing and will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the complaint and determine whether any responsibility arises from the alleged events.