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Bishop Zubik Denies Inappropriate Conduct Claim

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A former student is accusing Bishop David Zubik of inappropriate conduct.

Zubik said it is a claim that every priest fears and that the accusations are false.

On Wednesday, he called a news conference to deny the claims.

A former student from Quigley Catholic High School claims Zubik tried to kiss him in the chapel in the 1980s.

Zubik was the vice principal at the school at the time.

Zubik said the claims are false and are being made by a man who is angry because the church wouldn't allow him to volunteer because of his criminal background.

"I emphatically state no such behavior occurred, nor any semblance of such behavior. The accusation is false, offensive and outrageous," Bishop Zubik said.

He is not naming his accuser, but the allegations first surfaced on an online blog called "I Was Molested By Bishop Zubik."

"Take a look at this collar. I've been putting this collar on every day for the past 40 years. In the name of my brother priests, I want to say, this collar is not a bullseye,"Zubik said.

Zubik is following all of the proper protocol when accusations like these are made.

He has turned the investigation over to the Beaver County District Attorney and the Vatican.

Zubik said he will continue to carry out his full duties as head of the Catholic Church in the Pittsburgh area.

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