Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, the head of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is being accused of sexual abuse.

This week, an attorney for the alleged victim told Catholic officials in New Jersey that he plans to file a lawsuit. The attorney claims Mark Matzek, 56, was abused as an altar boy back in the 1970s when DiMarzio was a priest in Jersey City.

DiMarzio says there is no truth to the accusation. In a statement, he says in part, “I am just learning about this allegation. In my nearly 50-year ministry as a priest, I have never engaged in unlawful or inappropriate behavior and I categorically deny this allegation. I am confident I will be fully vindicated."

DiMarzio adds that he will work to defend his name in the coming days.

The bishop was appointed by Pope Francis to investigate the church's response to clergy sexual abuse in Buffalo.