The Vatican authorities have launched a canonical investigation into Rafael Zornoza, head of the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta, following accusations of sexual harassment of a minor. According to the complainant, the alleged incidents took place in the 1990s, when Zornoza was a priest and directed the seminary in Getafe.
The victim, now an adult man, sent a detailed letter to church authorities this summer describing what he experienced. In it, he claimed to have been abused from the age of 14 to 21, including physical contact and psychological pressure. He said Zornoza used his position to manipulate him and even sent him for so-called ‘conversion therapy’ to change his sexual orientation.
According to church regulations, investigations of such cases involving bishops are overseen by the metropolitan, in this case the Archbishop of Seville. While under civil law the case is considered closed due to the statute of limitations, the church’s process is ongoing. As part of the proceedings, the accused, the alleged victim, and possible witnesses are to be questioned. The result may be an ecclesiastical trial and a verdict, which must be confirmed by the Vatican’s highest authority.
Church reaction and the history of the diocese
Sornosa himself, despite the ongoing investigation, continues to fulfill his duties. Representatives of the Cádiz diocese have not issued any official comments regarding the situation. Meanwhile, this diocese has found itself at the center of scandals related to sexual offenses more than once before. In 2023, an internal audit uncovered five cases involving seven priests and 19 victims between 2005 and 2010. In two of these cases, the crimes were not reported to law enforcement, as the Church claims the victims themselves declined to come forward.
As a result of the internal investigation, three priests were found guilty, and one case was determined to be unfounded. Victims were offered psychological support, and the perpetrators were defrocked if they were still alive.
The scale of the problem and reforms
As of 2025, Spain has nearly 1,600 accused and about 3,000 victims in cases of sexual crimes within the Church. More than 60 high-ranking Church officials, including bishops and cardinals, are suspected of covering up such cases. Sornosa is also included on this list for failing to report two incidents to authorities in 2010.
In 2019, Pope Francis tightened canonical laws, increasing accountability for covering up crimes and enhancing protection for victims. However, the Spanish church still resists independent investigations and is slow to implement state compensation mechanisms. The church’s own compensation program, created by bishops, has only reached a small fraction of recognized victims.
Church leaders criticize journalistic investigations and do not explain why they do not launch inquiries against those suspected of covering up crimes. Some of these individuals continue to hold important positions and influence decisions within the church structure.
