Fr. Willebaldo Castro: Accused of Sexual Misconduct With Minors

Fr. Willebaldo Castro

Ordained: Unknown
Assignments:
  • Pre-1956: Unknown
  • 1956: San Antonio de Padue, Los Angeles, CA
  • 1956: Mexico
  • 1957-1968: Unknown
  • 1969: Our Lady of Guadalupe, El Monte, CA
  • 1969: Laicized
  • 1970-1972: Unknown
  • 1972: Re-admitted to the priesthood
  • 1973-1975: St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Los Angeles, CA
  • 1976-1980: St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Santa Maria, CA
  • 1980: Sacred Heart Church, Pomona, CA
  • 1980: Mexico
  • 1981-2018: Unknown

Notes: Fr. Castro was extern priest from Mexico working in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as early as 1956. Fr. Castro was accused of sexually abusing children between 1973 and 1978. At least four survivors have reported abuse by Castro to the Archdiocese, including one allegation during his assignment at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Los Angeles. In approximately October 1972, Fr. Castro was re-admitted to the priesthood, but was to remain incardinated in his home diocese of Tlalnepantla, Mexico. He was given faculties for one year. His faculties were extended for an additional year in approximately October 1973 and extended for three years in approximately 1975. Fr. Castro was then quietly transferred to Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Fr. Castro was last known to be living in Mexico. His name was included on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ 2004 list of priests accused of sexual misconduct involving minors. Since 1980, Fr. Castro’s status as a priest, his whereabouts and whether he has access to children are unknown.

Detailed Clergy Assignment Record: Fr. Willebaldo Castro