In Defense of Father Custodio Ballester: Brave Priest and Defender of Life

“His words do not incite hatred, but seek to alert about a real threat, radical Islamism, which has caused suffering around the world…

Attacks against Christianity—profanations of churches, interruptions of masses, or public mockery—are often left unpunished, while criticisms of radical Islamism are pursued rigorously…

The Prosecutor’s Office has decontextualized fragments of his article, manipulating them to incriminate him. This selective approach is not only unfair, but it evidences a selective persecution against a priest who dares to say what many think, but few dare to express…”

Pedro Mejías / ACN.- I have known Father Custodio Ballester for years, and I can testify to his integrity, his unwavering faith, and his tireless commitment to the defense of life and truth. As a friend and companion in the pro-life activism, he in Barcelona, I have been a witness to his selfless dedication to the cause of protecting the most vulnerable, especially the unborn, and his courage to raise his voice in an often hostile environment.

That is why I asked him to be part of the advisory board of acTÚa FAMILIA, which he accepted without hesitation… it was fully his area of action!

Now, as he faces a trial on October 1, 2025, in the Provincial Court of Málaga, accused of an alleged hate crime for his statements about radical Islam, I feel the need to defend his innocence and highlight his work as a priest and activist.

This article not only seeks to dismantle the unjust accusations against him, but also to pay homage to a man whose life is marked by faith, coherence, and love for the truth.

A Priest Committed to the Truth

Father Custodio, a priest of the Archdiocese of Barcelona for more than 25 years, is a well-known figure for his clarity and courage in preaching. Holding a degree in Fundamental Theology from the Faculty of Theology of Catalonia and a doctorate in Theology with a thesis on Pope Luna, Benedict XIII, Fr. Custodio combines solid intellectual training with deep spirituality. His ministry in the parish of San Sebastián de Badalona and previously in Hospitalet de Llobregat has been marked by direct preaching that does not shy away from addressing the challenges of contemporary society, from secularization to threats to religious freedom.

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, when many churches closed their doors and the faithful faced uncertainty, Father Custodio kept the flame of faith alive. His homilies, available here: [ Father Custodio’s Homilies During the Pandemic: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEPfyGNFd4DMI_y21c0TrxNxDhTbUTUEm&feature=shared ]

were a beacon of hope for many. In them, he reflected on the fragility of life, the importance of trust in God, and the need to remain firm in faith in the face of adversities.

His ability to connect with the faithful, combining theological depth with accessible language, made him an indispensable voice during those difficult times.

His Pro-Life Work in Barcelona

As a friend, I have shared many moments with Custodio, and I have admired his pro-life activism in Barcelona. From marches for life, to his rosaries on the 25th of each month at the Sagrada Familia, harassed by the feminazis, to talks in parishes and cultural centers, Father Custodio has been a pillar in the defense of human dignity from conception.

His commitment to the pro-life cause is not just an ideological stance, but a natural extension of his Catholic faith, which leads him to see the image of God in every human life. In a context like that of Catalonia, where secularism and progressivism dominate public discourse, his courage to speak clearly about abortion and the sanctity of life has made him a reference for many.

Custodio does not just preach; he lives what he teaches. He has accompanied women in crisis, collaborated with pro-life associations, and challenged social indifference with his testimony. His work is not limited to denouncing abortion, but includes a message of hope and redemption, reminding that God’s mercy is always available.

This dimension of his apostolate reflects his deep faith, which does not bend to social or political pressures.

The Judicial Case: An Injustice Against Freedom

The trial that Father Custodio faces originates from an article published in 2016, titled The Impossible Dialogue with Islam. In this text, Custodio expressed his concern about the difficulty of dialoguing with radical Islam, an ideology that, according to him, seeks to impose itself and destroy Christian civilization.

The Málaga Prosecutor’s Office, led by María Teresa Verdugo, and the association “Muslims Against Islamophobia,” interpreted these words as a hate crime, requesting three years in prison. However, as a follower of his and knowing his heart, I can affirm that his statements were not an attack against Muslims, but a warning about the extremism that threatens coexistence.

Custodio has made it clear on multiple occasions, including in a recent documentary, that his words referred exclusively to radical Islamism, not to Muslims in general. “I know Muslims who were not offended because they perfectly understood that I was not referring to them, but to those who live Islam in a violent, radical way,” he stated.

The Prosecutor’s Office, however, has decontextualized fragments of his article, manipulating them to incriminate him. This selective approach is not only unfair, but it evidences a selective persecution against a priest who dares to say what many think, but few dare to express.

A Double Standard

Father Custodio’s case reveals a worrying asymmetry in Spanish justice. While attacks against Christianity—profanations of churches, interruptions of masses, or public mockery—are often left unpunished, criticisms of radical Islamism are pursued rigorously. As Christian Lawyers points out, “the flagrant attacks that the Catholic Church suffers in our country matter little: the profanation of consecrated forms, the interruption of worship, or the mockery of our beliefs and traditions”.

This double standard is not only unfair, but it threatens freedom of expression and religion, fundamental rights in any democracy. Custodio, with his characteristic strength, faces this challenge with serenity and trust in God.

In an interview with InfoCatólica, he stated: “A priest cannot be intimidated by something like this. The defense of our faith is part of the job”. His attitude reflects the strength of his vocation and his willingness to assume the consequences of his testimony, even if that means facing prison.

I admire his courage and coherence, which are a reflection of his deep faith and love for the truth.

A Call for Justice and Solidarity

Father Custodio Ballester is innocent. As I have said, his words do not incite hatred, but seek to alert about a real threat, radical Islamism, which has caused suffering around the world. Punishing him for expressing a well-founded opinion is a direct attack on freedom of expression and religious freedom.

As a friend and as a Christian, it pains me to see how a man who has dedicated his life to serving God and others is persecuted, both in his priestly ministry and in his pro-life activism. His work in Barcelona, his homilies during the pandemic, and his commitment to the defense of life are a testimony to his character and faith.

I call on the Prosecutor’s Office, and in particular the Hate Crimes prosecutor, Miguel Ángel Aguilar, to drop the charges against Father Custodio. This trial should not become a precedent that limits citizens’ freedom to debate crucial issues.

I also invite all those who read this article to support Father Custodio, whether through the Christian Lawyers campaign or by sharing his story.

His struggle is the struggle of all those who believe in truth, freedom, and the dignity of human life.

Custodio, dear father, your strength inspires us. May the Virgin Mary, whom you love so much, continue to guide and protect you on this path. You are not alone.