SAN ANTONIO -- One of San Antonio's prominent Catholic leaders committed suicide in his home, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner's office.
The body of Father Virgil Elizondo, 80, was found Monday afternoon.
Elizondo once served as rector at the San Fernando Cathedral.
Elizondo had reportedly denied allegations that he played a role in covering up a sex abuse scandal. He reportedly vowed to prove his innocence after a lawsuit was filed last year.
The suit claims an orphan boy confided in him that a different priest had molested him. It also claims that Father Elizondo did not report the abuse.
"Everybody should be forgiven. No matter what, there's forgiveness for everybody. There's only one judge," San Antonio resident Paula Casiano said.
Father Elizondo was also a well-known theologian and professor at the University of Notre Dame.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio released the following statement in response to his death:
"At this devastatingly sad time for Father Virgil's family, especially his sister, as well as his brother clergy, co-workers and friends, we offer our most profound sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all. I pray for all those who mourn Father Virgil and for the repose of his soul. In this Year of Mercy, we now commend him to the saving mercy of our God, who is compassionate and full of mercy and love. This is most fitting and proper."
