The Diocese of Coria-Cáceres considers the priest of Almoharín convicted of corruption of minors “fit”

He acknowledges that this situation “can cause concern and perplexity” among the neighbors The new priest was convicted in 2004 for distribution of child pornography He will not be able to teach catechesis in the assigned parishes The diocese of Coria-Cáceres has come out in defense of the appointment of the new priest of Almoharín, ILO , who was convicted in 2004 of corruption of minors and distribution of child pornography, considering that he is “fit” to exercise the priestly ministry. Through a statement, the diocese assures that the priest has been demonstrating this aptitude after a process of rehabilitation and accompaniment “as it has shown in its gradual reintegration in recent years.” The Church of Coria-Cáceres thus responds to information published by El País, which has sparked controversy in the town. In the interests of transparency, the diocese points out, it has issued a statement in which it acknowledges that more than 20 years ago the parish priest “committed a crime consisting of exchanging photographic material with sexual content of minors on the Internet.” A case that, recalls , was in the public domain in the diocese and was disseminated in the media. “It has never been hidden from public opinion. Given the computerized nature of the crime, there was no contact or communication with the minors,” he stresses. A crime for which he was tried and punished “in accordance with civil law,” specifically 16 months in prison, so that “he served the sentences and sentences imposed”, although at present “he has a negative certificate of sexual crimes”, issued by the Ministry of Justice. In it, it is stated that in the Central Registry of Sexual Offenders “there is no criminal information related” to ILOS without catechesis Therefore, the diocese considers the priest “fit to exercise the priestly ministry”, although it recognizes that this situation “can cause concern and perplexity” in the Christian community, which is why a series of measures have been taken. Specifically, that “all parishes be a safe space” for minors, so that in those entrusted to the parish priest in question those responsible for the lay catechetical work. Likewise, the situation is being “monitored, and dialogue will be maintained with the faithful who wish it, underlines the diocese, which stresses that it “deeply” regrets the actions carried out by the priest ILO in 2004, while expressing its “firm commitment to the fight against the abuse of minors and to reparation for the victims of this scourge in society and in the Church”.