More allegations of sexual abuse by priest emerge in Girona

More allegations of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy emerged on Thursday, when five former students at the Bell-lloc school in the northern city of Girona contacted the school to report that they had been abused by a priest who used to work there.

Seven allegations against the priest, who was also the rector in the nearby town of Vilobí d'Onyar, were reported by Ara newspaper on Sunday, while on Wednesday two people told the RAC1 radio station they had been abused by a former monk in Montserrat monastery.

According to the local newspaper, Diari de Girona, the priest, known as father Tomàs, volunteered twice a week at the school between the 1960s and 1990s -when it is alleged the abuse took place- conducting mass and giving religious education classes.

On Monday, the Bell-lloc school sent a letter to parents condemning the sexual abuse and assuring them that nowadays "efficient" protocols are in place to prevent such situations from taking place.

Bishopric of Girona

The Bishopric of Girona also commented on the Bell-lloc cases, saying they were the "responsibility of the school" and pointing out that father Tomàs worked at the school "without any type of appointment by the Bishopric."

Yet the Bishopric has set up a committee to look into the previous allegations, and will contact people related to the events, and provide professionals to attend to those affected. "From the start, the Bishopric's priority has been to clarify the facts," said a statement.