The Diocese of Zamora has confirmed that its former vicar general, Antonio Jesús Martín de Lera, is being tried in a canonical criminal proceeding for alleged economic and administrative irregularities related to the exercise of his ecclesiastical responsibilities. The procedure is currently ongoing before the Tribunal of the Rota of the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain.
In a statement released this Tuesday, October 20, the diocese explained that the investigation began after possible economic-administrative irregularities related to the performance of responsibilities within the Church came to light.
In response to these facts, the Bishop of Zamora, Fernando Valera, ordered the opening of a preliminary investigation in accordance with the provisions of Canon Law.
An open process before the Rota of the Nunciature
According to the diocese, once the initial investigation was concluded, it was considered that there were sufficient elements to transfer the proceedings to the canonical judicial process.
On January 29, 2026, the collegiate tribunal responsible for examining the case was constituted before the Tribunal of the Rota of the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain, based in Madrid.
The information published about the procedure indicates that the alleged irregularities also affect the management of Caritas’ assets. The diocesan statement, for its part, does not detail the economic operations under investigation or the possible responsibilities being examined.
The diocese recalls the presumption of innocence
The diocese has insisted that the procedure remains open and has emphasized its respect for the presumption of innocence of the former vicar general, as well as for the guarantees recognized by the Church’s legal system.
The diocese has also expressed its confidence in the tribunal’s actions and has announced that it will respect the resolution ultimately adopted.
While the process remains open, the diocese will not make further assessments regarding its content.