Pope Francis has ordered an investigation into the sexual abuse allegations against Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

The Vatican appointed Cardinal Timothy Dolan from the archdiocese of New York to conduct the investigation.

The bishop is accused of molesting a child while he was a priest in New Jersey back in the 70s.

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Bishop DiMarzio was previously in charge of investigating allegations of abuse in the Buffalo Diocese.

The Diocese of Brooklyn released a statement that said in part, "Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has categorically denied the allegation against him. He will vigorously defend himself against this false claim and is confident the truth will prevail. As the Church investigation is a Vos estis lux mundi probe, it does not require that Bishop DiMarzio step aside during the preliminary investigation. As such, his status has not changed."