Subsequently, the file was forwarded to Dicasterio para la Doctrina de la Fe de la Santa Sede, as the body with jurisdiction in this matter, which decided to initiate the relevant canonical proceedings.
The diocese has also brought the matter to the attention of the relevant civil authorities and "remains fully prepared to cooperate with them in any way".
The Church has temporarily removed the priest from his duties. In addition, he is banned from participating in any activity involving minors. These actions, the diocese said, "do not prejudge the outcome of the ongoing proceedings".
"The Diocese of Zamora reaffirms its firm commitment to the protection of children and vulnerable people and to ensuring that any situation of this nature is fully investigated in collaboration with the relevant civil and ecclesiastical authorities," the statement says.
The diocese welcomes everybody involved in the proceedings to speak up, while it maintains the responsibility to ensure the safety of the complainants and respect "the accused's presumption of innocence".