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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nicole Winfield

Pope Leo accepts resignation of bishop accused of abuse in first known case for new pontiff

Pope Leo XIV leaves at the end of an audience on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Choirs in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of a Spanish bishop under investigation for allegedly sexually abusing a young seminarian in the 1990s. This marks the first known instance of the new pontiff removing a cleric accused of abuse.

A one-line Vatican statement confirmed Leo's acceptance of the resignation of Cádiz Bishop Rafael Zornoza, 76. While no reason was given, Bishop Zornoza had submitted his resignation last year upon turning 75, the standard retirement age for bishops.

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