A Spanish bishop, Xavier Novell has quit the Catholic Church after he reportedly fell in love with an author of satanic erotic fiction.
The 52-year-old cleric, who became Spain’s youngest bishop in 2010, resigned at the end of last month, citing “personal reasons”.
Catholic publication, Religión Digital, reported that he and Silvia are in a relationship.
Xavier said he had “fallen in love” and that he “wanted to do the right thing” when he was asked about his relationship with Silvia – who wrote The Hell of Gabriel’s Lust and the erotic trilogy Amnesia.
Silvia’s book, The Hell of Gabriel’s Lust, discusses occultism, sadism and covers “the raw struggle between good and evil, god and Satan and angels and demons”.
Some sources claim that Pope Francis urged Xavier to have an exorcism himself to “free his troubled spirit” – but he refused.
The bishop has previously come under fire before for his links to so-called “gay conversion therapy”.
He was accused of holding a wedding between a woman and one of the young men who attended the “treatment” – without the support or consent of the local priest or bride’s parents.
He has also been an outspoken supporter of independence for Catalonia.
Two former ministers from the rebel Catalan government who were imprisoned on charges of sedition were some of those who expressed their support of Xavier’s resignation.
Mr Rull said: “Bishop Novell has always been by the side of political prisoners, with words and, above all, with deeds, becoming one of the few exceptions from the Catalan Church hierarchy.”
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
Spectacular photos from the Paris 2024 opening ceremony
4 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
5 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
6 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
7 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
9 hours