Diocese reports financial irregularities against former vicar general

The diocese has filed a report regarding alleged financial crimes against its former vicar general, Antonio Jesús Martín de Lera. This case has been opened before the Tribunal of the Rota Roman, focusing on supposed irregularities in the execution of his functions and authority. Reports indicate that the canonical trial has already commenced following a complaint from the Bishop of Zamora, Fernando Valera, who removed Lera from his position at Cáritas two years ago and forced his resignation as vicar a year and a half ago. Lera was subsequently dismissed from his parishes as well.

The Tribunal was established on January 29 and, after reviewing prior investigations that confirmed alleged irregularities in Lera's role as vicar general and particularly in the management of Cáritas's assets, it decreed the opening of the trial. This decision followed consultations involving officials from the Episcopal Conference and the Nunciature, which revealed reports of unjustified losses of significant amounts of money in Cáritas, nearly leading the organization to a state of technical bankruptcy.