The Vatican has confirmed the guilt of Argentine priest Damián Rodríguez Alcobendas, belonging to the diocese of San Isidro —province of Buenos Aires—, for sexual abuse against a minor. This was officially communicated by the Diocese of San Isidro on March 2, 2026.
According to the diocese, the College for the Examination of Appeals in Cases of Grave Crimes of the Holy See rejected the appeal filed by the priest and ratified the sentence issued in the administrative penal canonical process initiated against him, confirming that the priest committed a “grave offense against the sixth commandment with a minor”.
Perpetual prohibition from ecclesiastical offices
The Holy See ratified the penalty of perpetual prohibition from exercising any ecclesiastical office or directive or administrative function in parishes, seminaries, or affiliated institutions. In practical terms, Rodríguez Alcobendas will not be able to return to being a parish priest or hold positions of responsibility within the Church.
He also cannot perform functions dependent on ecclesiastical authorities or teach in theological or pastoral areas. Likewise, he is prohibited from receiving assignments for tutoring or advising minors in any context.
Public suspension from ministry for five years
In addition to the perpetual prohibition from offices, the Vatican established the penalty of five years without being able to publicly exercise the priestly ministry. During that period, he cannot celebrate Mass in public, administer sacraments, hear confessions, or participate as a priest in ecclesial acts. He may only celebrate Mass privately and individually.
The decree includes a penal precept that states that, if he fails to comply with these conditions, he will be sanctioned with dismissal from the clerical state, that is, definitive expulsion from the priesthood.
Background of the case in Argentina
Rodríguez Alcobendas, known in the diocese as “Father Damián”, was for years the parish priest of the Sagrada Familia Parish in Nordelta —a residential area in the Tigre district— and chaplain in several Catholic schools in the complex.
The events for which he was convicted occurred between 2003 and 2004 and were reported almost twenty years later, only in the ecclesiastical sphere. The case did not prosper in Argentine civil justice due to the statute of limitations on the offense, but it did advance in the canonical route until reaching the appeal stage before the Holy See.
In its statement, the Diocese of San Isidro expressed its closeness to the victim, asked for forgiveness for the pain caused, and reaffirmed its commitment to listen, accompany, and act responsibly in cases of abuse.