A long-standing jurisdiction dispute between a Spanish bishop and the Catholic personal prelature Opus Dei has dramatically escalated, centering on the canonical status and physical possession of a venerated 11th-century image of Our Lady of Torreciudad.
According to Zenit, Bishop Angel Perez Pueyo of the Diocese of Barbastro-Monzon has threatened to resign if his demands concerning the governance of the Shrine of Torreciudad and the return of the Marian icon are not met.
The dispute stems from a long-running disagreement over canonical authority, property titles and administrative oversight of the sanctuary.
Correspondence indicates that Pope Francis previously addressed the rift, sending a supportive letter to Bishop Pueyo urging him to uphold diocesan prerogatives regarding the sanctuary’s legal and pastoral status.
The revelation of papal backing has intensified scrutiny over the conflict, which touches on broader questions of authority between local diocesan bishops and the personal prelature.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Vatican declares SSPX excommunicated, in schism
Bishop demands return of Marian icon
Reporting by Crux detailed that Bishop Pueyo formally renewed his public campaign against Opus Dei, demanding the immediate handover of the original Marian statue.
The bishop asserted that the image belongs to the local parish and argued that its transfer to the modern Torreciudad complex, built by Opus Dei founder Saint Josemaria Escriva, lacks appropriate canonical authorisation.
The bishop insisted that compliance with diocesan directives is essential to resolving the administrative impasse, reiterating his readiness to submit his resignation to the Holy See should the dispute remain unresolved under current conditions.
Opus Dei rejects accusations
Opus Dei firmly rejected the bishop’s statements, describing his public claims as “offensive and unfounded accusations.”
Representatives for the personal prelature maintained that the transfer and ongoing veneration of the Marian image were carried out in full compliance with established agreements signed with ecclesiastical authorities decades ago.
Opus Dei expressed deep regret over the escalating public tension, emphasising its willingness to continue constructive dialogue through appropriate canonical channels while rejecting claims of unlawful possession.
With both sides holding firm to their positions, the legal and pastoral stalemate now awaits further resolution from Vatican authorities in Rome.
READ NEXT: Exorcism centre opens in Catholic-majority Philippines
James Mario Ajero 
KC Maderia 
Carmela Calling