Archbishop Lavarias Asks Help from the Public to Find Errant Spanish Priest

By Leslie Ann Aquino
Manila Bulletin
May 28, 2020

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/28/archbishop-lavarias-asks-help-from-the-public-to-find-errant-spanish-priest/

A Spanish priest accused of abusing minors is believed to be here in the country.

San Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias identified the priest as Rev. Jose Maximiano Campos Ruiz.

San Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias

In a circular letter, he said Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra, Archbishop Bernardito Auza is asking for information on the whereabouts of the priest who disappeared.

“The Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra, Abp. Bernardito Auza, is asking some information about a certain Rev. Jose Maximiano Campos Ruiz, a Spanish priest who practically disappeared and said to be now in the Philippines,” said Lavarias.

“There are reasons to worry on his presence in our country given the serious accusation against him of abuses of minors,” he added.

“Considering the seriousness of the case, Abp. Auza is requesting to inquire on any knowledge of the whereabouts of Campos Ruiz,” said Lavarias.

He asked those who have pertinent information on the matter to communicate with his office.

The Pampanga prelate in his letter also warned priests, the religious and the faithful in his archdiocese against a certain Cristian Eduardo Tietze who name-drops the name of Pope Francis.

Lavarias said Tietze, who presents himself as the president of the “Peace for Life Foundation,” is claiming to be close to the Holy Father and to the Holy See.

“The Secretariat of State, having learned about this questionable person, encourages all concerned to use maximum prudence in dealing with persons and groups when mention is made of the name of the Pope and other Curia officials,” he said.