© press

A Spanish Catholic bishop has blocked all priests and monks from his church and demanded that the pass a "pedophile test" before being allowed to practice again.

Bishop Juan Piris Frígola has taken the unusual steps to crack down on the pedophilia epidemic that is "rampant" in his parish.

All priests and monks working with the parish of Lleida in Catalonia must pass a test and obtain a certificate from the government to prove they aren't a pedophile, Bishop Frígola has announced.

The measures are being taken to restore the community's faith in the church as families begin turning away from the church in record numbers after fears over children's safety.

The bishop vowed that no clerical workers will be allowed near children until that have obtained their "anti-pedophile" certificate to prove they aren't child abusers.

The Local reports:

http://www.neonnettle.com/news/2268-spanish-bishop-introduces-pedop...