EL PASO (TX)
KTSM [El Paso TX]
July 17, 2025
By Melissa Luna and Luisa Barrios
The Catholic Diocese of El Paso provided a statement to KTSM following eight new lawsuits filed within the Third Judicial District in the State of New Mexico against them, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, and other parishes within the region.
The statement reads as follows:
“At current the diocese has been made aware of the aforementioned lawsuits and cannot comment on any pending litigation. The Diocese of El Paso works very diligently to cooperate with all parties involved when cases like this are brought forward. The diocese takes all matters of abuse as grave and serious situations and will work to ensure that justice is served.
“The diocese has worked to implement and train clergy, employees, and volunteers on best practices of Safe Environment. All who work in any ministry as a member of the clergy, employee, or volunteer within the diocese must have undergone and passed a certification of training annually as part of the diocesan Safe Environment protocols.
“We encourage individuals with any knowledge of any misconduct and or of any crime committed by any member of the clergy, employee, or volunteer within the diocese to please come forward to law enforcement. They can also reach out to our office of victims assistance and our office of safe environment by calling 915-872-8400.”
As we previously reported, Davis Kelin Law Firm, LLC and Huffman Wallace & Monagle, LLC (HWM) say the lawsuits allege child sexual abuse by the following priests: Monsignor Albert Chavez, Father David Holley, Father Emilio Roure, Father Wilfrid Diamond, Monsignor Gonzalo Morales, Father Bernard Bissonnette, and Father Joaquin Resma.
The law firms say the cases involve sexual abuse of young children ranging from ages 3 to 15.
The law firm says its filed lawsuits against the following parishes for child sexual abuse committed by priests while they were employed by the diocese: Our Lady of Health in Las Cruces; Our Lady of Purification in Dona Ana; Immaculate Conception in Alamogordo; Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mesilla Park; St. Anthony in Anthony; and St. Eleanor in Ruidoso.
“In a recent article by the Associated Press, Pope Leo declared that ‘there should be no tolerance in the Catholic Church for any type of abuse including sexual and spiritual abuse, and abuses of authority and power.’
When speaking to bishops and cardinals at the Vatican, he emphasized ‘the need for leaders to be firm and decisive in dealing with abuse cases, especially those involving minors, and to fully respect existing legislation.’”
Davis Kelin Law Firm, LLC and Huffman Wallace & Monagle, LLC
As KTSM 9 News has previously reported, the law firms filed two previous lawsuits against the El Paso Diocese for alleged sexual abuse of children by priests in the diocese.
The law firms have set up information for victims and their families at https://nmpriestabuse.com/. People can see the full list of confirmed abusers here.
Anyone who has been victimized or anyone who knows someone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or assault can call (575) 573-8503 or click here.