The Bulletin of the Holy See reported that Pope Leo XIV received in audience Mons. Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, dean of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota.
The meeting takes on special relevance given that Mons. Arellano was appointed in October 2024 as plenary pontifical commissioner, delegate of the Holy See for the Torreciudad sanctuary, and is tasked with resolving the prolonged conflict between the Opus Dei prelature and the Bishop of Barbastro-Monzón regarding the management of the site.
The Background of the Conflict
Torreciudad, a center of Marian devotion promoted by Saint Josemaría Escrivá, has been administered for decades by Opus Dei. However, the diocesan bishop, Ángel Pérez Pueyo, has claimed that the sanctuary be recognized as a diocesan sanctuary, which would imply greater episcopal control over its operation.
The prelature has defended its continuity in managing the complex, arguing fidelity to the foundational charism. The dispute has escalated to Rome, forcing the Holy See to intervene directly.
The Mission of Mons. Arellano
As plenary pontifical commissioner, Mons. Arellano has the mission to seek a definitive solution that ensures both respect for the authority of the diocesan bishop and the legal rights of the Opus Dei prelature.
His role is not merely consultative: he acts in the name of the Pope and with authority to make binding decisions. Therefore, the audience with the Holy Father underscores the importance of the case and fuels expectations around an imminent resolution.
A Resolution Still Pending
Faithful and priests of the Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón, as well as members of Opus Dei, are closely following every move from Rome. The future of Torreciudad will test the balance between episcopal authority and the autonomy of institutions linked to charisms recognized by the Church.
For the moment, there is no definitive decision. Mons. Arellano’s audience with the Pope seems to anticipate that the resolution is on its way, although we will still have to wait to know what the final resolution will be.