Higuey, Dominican Republic.- The new president of the Dominican Bishops Conference (CED) on Tuesday asked Catholics to denounce the priests who abuse minors, after the Catholic Church’s declaration of zero tolerance against pedophilia.

Nicanor Peña warned that any prelate who engages in some kind of violation will be brought to justice. "Any faithful who’s aware of and truly has some basis, should come to the ecclesiastical authorities, and let them know what’s taking place, so the authority can proceed."

He acknowledged that pedophilia cases affect the Catholic Church’s image, because many times people lose faith, "but it won't collapse it."

Peña said they must always ask forgiveness when there’s an offense. "The Dominican Church has asked for that forgiveness on several occasions, and in regard to pedophilia, and problems with minors, in that we’re clear, we follow the same path which the Holy Father is on."