LOS ANGELES
The Associated Press
By ROBERT JABLON, Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — As an auxiliary bishop in the nation’s most populous Roman Catholic archdiocese, Gabino Zavala was an outspoken advocate for immigration rights, prison reforms and better conditions for the working poor.
Now parishioners and church officials in the region where the popular Zavala grew up struggled to come to grips with the announcement of his resignation and revelation that he fathered two children, a violation of canon laws of celibacy for priests.
Zavala, 60, who once urged Catholic media to report scandals such as clergy sex abuse “in a spirit of love and mercy,” had his resignation accepted Wednesday by Pope Benedict XVI. Roman Catholic canon law permits bishops to step down earlier than the normal retirement age of 75 if they are sick or otherwise unfit for office.
“This is unexpected, sad and disorienting news for many people who know and like Bishop Zavala,” said Tod Tamberg, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “Remember, he was raised here. He has deep roots in Los Angeles and so he’s very well-known here.”
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