Spain is gripped by an unprecedented scandal: the Vatican has officially removed Rafael Zornoza, the Bishop of Cádiz and Ceuta, following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a minor said to have occurred in the 1990s. The decision came nearly two weeks after news of the investigation became public, sparking a strong reaction both within the church and among the general public.
Vatican’s Controversial Decision
Pope León XIV authorized the removal by formally accepting the resignation Sornoza had submitted last year upon turning 75—a standard procedure for bishops. However, this move now takes on particular significance as it comes in direct response to the recent allegations against the clergyman. Meanwhile, the Spanish Episcopal Conference announced the appointment of an interim administrator for the diocese—Ramón Darío Valdivia Giménez, who previously served as auxiliary bishop in Seville.
Zornoza responded with a public statement thanking the pontiff for his support and citing his need to undergo treatment for cancer as well as his wish to defend himself calmly against what he called false accusations. Despite this, church officials have declined to comment on the substance of the allegations, limiting themselves to formal statements.
Investigation Details and Church’s Response
The investigation into Sornosa began back in the summer, when the Vatican received a complaint from an alleged victim. According to reports, the incidents took place during the period when Sornosa was rector of the seminary in Getafe (Madrid). The victim claims to have been harassed between the ages of 14 and 21, and also describes psychological pressure and attempts to “correct” his sexual orientation. In a letter addressed to church authorities, the victim expressed hope that sharing his story would help prevent such cases in the future.
For several months, Sornosa continued to fulfill his duties despite the ongoing investigation. It was only after the case became public that the Vatican expedited the review process and decided to remove him. This marked the first time in Spain’s history that a bishop was dismissed from office over such allegations.
Internal conflicts and consequences for the Church
The situation surrounding Sornosa exposed serious flaws in the church’s response mechanisms to such incidents. Despite recommendations from the Holy See’s commission on minors, which called for faster suspension of suspects, the process was delayed. In the days following the media reports about the investigation, church officials made conflicting statements, and the bishop himself continued interacting with parishioners, including minors.
Ultimately, only after a personal meeting between the leadership of the Spanish Episcopal Conference and the Pope in Rome was a final decision made. The new interim administrator of the diocese has announced his readiness to support the faithful during this challenging period and expressed gratitude to his predecessor for years of service.
History of Allegations and Victim Testimony
In a letter sent to the Vatican, the alleged victim described his experiences in detail. According to him, the abuse began when he was 14 and continued until adulthood. He spoke of nighttime visits to his room, touching and kissing, as well as attempts at manipulation through confession and psychological pressure. After reaching adulthood, when he confessed his homosexuality, Sornosa insisted he undergo therapy to ‘correct’ his orientation.
The victim notes that for a long time he could not speak out due to guilt and fear. Only years later did he decide to turn to church authorities to prevent similar incidents from happening to other children.
Public Response and the Future of the Church
The scandal surrounding the Bishop of Cádiz has become a serious test for the Spanish church and the Vatican. The public is demanding transparency and decisive action in these cases. Many experts note that the delay in removing Sornosa was a mistake that undermined trust in church institutions.
In the coming months, the Church is expected to review its internal procedures and implement additional measures to prevent similar incidents. This case has already sparked discussions about the need for reforms and tighter oversight of clergy conduct.
