Bishop cleared in abuse probe

CDF and civil cases closed on Chilean prelate

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has declared a Chilean bishop innocent in relation to allegations of child abuse. "The Vatican has concluded that the accusations were not true and has established the absence of incriminatory evidence," a statement from the Diocese of San Felipe said of the case against Bishop Cristian Contreras Molina once the CDFís conclusion had been communicated.

The diocese further pointed out that Chilean investigators have also closed the case against the prelate and that during the twin investigations, Bishop Contreras had cooperated fully.

"I always said that this accusation was a slander. Now Iím at peace. I have no doubts that the people of God know who their pastors are. I have received support from my family, the community and the priests," Bishop Contreras said.