InfoVaticana has had access to the literal transcription of a meeting held by Cardinal José Cobo with journalists on January 23, 2026, in which the Archbishop of Madrid addresses in detail his role in the negotiation process regarding the Valle de los Caídos.
During the conversation, Cobo insists repeatedly that the Diocese of Madrid has no jurisdiction over either the Benedictine community or the basilica, limiting its competence exclusively to the pastoral sphere.
“We Have No Jurisdiction”
At several moments during the meeting, the cardinal emphasizes that the diocese “passes through there” and that the Valle de los Caídos is not its responsibility. “We have no jurisdiction over either the community or the basilica, beyond the pastoral,” he states verbatim, adding that he cannot decide on material aspects such as pews, chapels, accesses, or architectural interventions.
According to his account, any decision regarding the basilica corresponds to the Holy See, with which the Government would have held direct conversations through the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The Origin of the Process
Cobo explains that his involvement began after a request for help from the Benedictine community, which informed him of the risk of expulsion. From there, two “folders” were proposed: the continuity of the community and the future of the basilica.
Regarding the community, the cardinal notes that an internal process was promoted that led to a change in prior, accompanied by priors from Solesmes and Leyre. As for the basilica, he insists that the negotiation corresponded exclusively to the Holy See.
The Signature and the “General Framework”
Asked about the document signed with Government representatives, Cobo maintains that his action was limited to “allowing interlocution” and establishing a “minimum framework” so that the Holy See would be aware of the situation.
“I have not made any decision,” he states, insisting that he did not authorize specific interventions or delimit specific areas of the temple. According to his version, the document does not go into details about the presbytery, pews, or chapels.
Contradictions and Recognized Limits
Throughout the meeting, the cardinal explicitly acknowledges that any action regarding the basilica must be decided by the Holy See, and that he cannot intervene or evaluate specific technical or liturgical aspects.
He also admits that the new Benedictine community has opted for the path of administrative appeal, a decision that, as he points out, he respects although it was not the one he had initially recommended.
Relationship with the Government and the Holy See
Cobo states that the Government maintains “very clearly” that the property and decisions regarding the basilica must be dealt with the Holy See, and that the key meetings have taken place between the Executive and the Vatican.
In this context, he emphasizes that his role has been one of containment and mediation, without assuming competencies that do not correspond to him.
A Disputed Narrative
Finally, the cardinal expresses his concern about what he describes as an “interested narrative” surrounding the process, noting that he fears the conflict will become entrenched and lead to a different interpretation of the facts.
The complete transcription of this meeting, to which InfoVaticana has had access, provides new elements about the role played by the Archbishop of Madrid in the negotiation process regarding the future of the Valle de los Caídos.
Editor’s Note: InfoVaticana does not consider itself ethically bound by the “off the record” nature of this meeting, having been excluded from the invitation despite being the ecclesial media outlet with the largest audience in Spain.