US Bishop with secret family resigns

Bishop Gabino Zavala

A popular Catholic bishop who was known for his work with California's Hispanic community has stepped down, after it was revealed that he has two teenaged children.

The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Benedict has accepted the resignation of Mgr Gabino Zavala, an auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles.

The Archbishop of Los Angeles, Jose Gomez, wrote a letter to parishioners explaining that Bishop Zavala had told him last month he was the father of two teenage children who live with their mother in another state.

Describing the news as "sad and difficult", Archbishop Gomez said that the Church was offering the family "spiritual care," and funds to help with the children's education.

Diocesan press officer Tod Tamberg said: "This is unexpected, sad and disorienting news for many people who know and like Bishop Zavala. Remember, he was raised here. He has deep roots in Los Angeles and so he's very well known here."

Born in Mexico, Bishop Zavala 60, is known for his concern for the rights of immigrants. He has also campaigned against the death penalty.

While Catholic priests are not allowed to marry, Anglican priests already married who convert to Catholicism are exempted from the celibacy rule.

Two days ago Pope Benedict appointed an American married priest to head the first US Ordinariate for Anglicans joining the Catholic Church.