As the daily newspaper "El País" reported on Monday, the Vatican has launched an investigation into the Bishop of Cádiz y Ceuta, Rafael Zornoza.
According to the report, the 76-year-old is accused of having sexually abused a minor several times as a priest in the 1990s.
The offences allegedly took place over a period of several years. Zornoza took advantage of his position at a seminary in the diocese of Getafe to manipulate the boy.
Because the alleged victim turned to the Vatican a few months ago, the Vatican launched an investigation.
A special ecclesiastical court at the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid is now in charge of the case.
From the point of view of secular justice, the accusations are time-barred.
The diocese of Cádiz y Ceuta reacted to the report by "El País" on Monday.
In a press release, it said: "The accusations, which relate to events that took place almost 30 years ago, are very serious and also false."
They have full confidence in the ecclesiastical justice system and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.
The bishop has decided to "temporarily suspend his appointments".
He wants to help clarify the facts and devote himself to the treatment of an aggressive cancer.