This Saturday, November 22, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation presented by Mons. Rafael Zornoza, Bishop of Cádiz and Ceuta, in accordance with canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law. The prelate explained that he had submitted his resignation in July 2024 and that he reiterated it on two occasions. Following the decision of the Holy See, Zornoza published a communiqué addressed to the diocese in which he conveys a message of gratitude, trust, and serenity in the face of this new stage.
Gratitude to the Pope and reference to his health status
Zornoza expresses explicit gratitude to the Holy Father for his “understanding and paternal closeness” in allowing him to dedicate the necessary time to the medical treatments required by his current situation. He emphasizes that this decision will also allow him to face with tranquility his defense against an accusation that he qualifies as “unjust and false,” currently under study by the Church.
Welcome to the Apostolic Administrator
The bishop also thanks for the appointment of Mons. Ramón Valdivia Giménez, auxiliary bishop of Seville, as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese. He describes him as a “valuable” pastor, intellectually prepared and close, convinced that the faithful “will soon feel welcomed.” He assures his prayer, his filial obedience, and his full disposition to collaborate in this transitional stage.
Read also: Leo XIV accepts the resignation of the Bishop of Cádiz and Ceuta, Rafael Zornoza
In a message centered on unity, Zornoza invites the faithful to receive the designated Administrator with faith and to live this process with a spirit of hope:
“The Lord never abandons his Church”, the bishop recalls, emphasizing the trust that must sustain the diocesan community at this time.
Farewell with gratitude
The bishop bids farewell thanking for the years of ministry shared in the diocese, which he defines as a time of “dedication and grace.” He recognizes the support received from priests, consecrated persons, and laity, and asks that they accompany him with prayer while he himself will continue to intercede daily for his diocese. He concludes by commending himself to the Virgin Mary and to the patron saints Servando, Germán, San Daniel, and companion martyrs.
We leave below the full message published on the website of the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta:
COMMUNIQUÉ TO THE DIOCESE ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF MY RESIGNATION AND THE APPOINTMENT OF THE APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR
The Holy See has made public the acceptance by the Holy Father of my resignation from the office of Bishop of Cádiz and Ceuta, presented last July 2024, in accordance with canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law, and reiterated by me on two occasions.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his understanding and paternal closeness, in having granted me the ability to dedicate myself fully to the medical treatments required by my current state of health, as well as to attend with serenity and trust in God to my defense against an unjust and false accusation, which is being studied by the Church.
I also thank the Holy Father for the appointment of an Administrator for this diocese, a sign of his concern for the spiritual and pastoral good of the People of God who pilgrimage in Cádiz and Ceuta. Mons. D. Ramón Valdivia Giménez, auxiliary bishop of Seville, is a valuable bishop, jurist, philosopher, and theologian, and an appreciated friend with whom you will soon feel welcomed, and who will encourage pastoral efforts. Soon we will announce the celebration of a welcome Mass for the diocese. I assure him of my prayer and my filial obedience, as well as my full disposition to collaborate, from ecclesial communion, in everything that contributes to unity in this moment of transition in the government of our diocesan Church.
I invite you to welcome with faith the Administrator that the Holy Father has designated for the good of the diocese, and to maintain communion and hope in this time of transition. The Lord never abandons his Church.
These years have been for me a time of dedication and grace, in which I have shared with you the joy and hope of serving Christ in this blessed land. I thank from the heart the priests, consecrated persons, and laity for their collaboration, their prayer, and their affection during this time of ministry.
I ask the Lord to abundantly bless this beloved diocese, and all those who work in it with fidelity and love in the service of the Gospel, and also that you accompany me with your prayer, as I will do for you every day, trusting in the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints Servando and Germán, and San Daniel and companion martyrs, patrons of our diocese.