52 priests have charged Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde with "abuse of authority"
According to one of the priests, the bishop has left "half" of the seminary in the hands of the Kikos. Elizalde, for his part, has said that some priests "have too much time to incordiate."
The atmosphere in the diocese of Vitoria-Gasteiz has deteriorated greatly in recent days due to cross-messages between a group of priests and Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde. In total, 52 priests have sent a letterto the head of the church in Vitoria-Gasteiz accusing him of "abuse of authority" and denouncing that in recent years he has led the diocese to "extreme positions."
In the letter, the priests say they feel humiliated and disappointed and disagree with Elizalde's management, and accuse the bishop of promoting a pastoral model without dialogue.
The priests who signed the letter have explained to Euskadi Irratia that the conflict is not new and that it comes from the appointment of Elizalde, about ten years ago, and that they have felt "undervalued" all these years, which has created a climate of mistrust in the diocese.
Among the criticisms, mention has also been made of the profile of the seminarians that the bishop has brought to the seminary in Álava. According to one of the priests, Elizalde has left "half" of the seminary in the hands of the Kikos, which they believe will determine the direction of the Church in Álava, which they say has increased their disappointment and concern about.
The priests have also denounced that when they wanted to inform the bishop of the situation, he "took the criticism very badly . "
For his part, Juan Carlos Elizalde has denied all the accusations. He has criticized the attitude of this group of priests, who he has accused of being "lazy" and "confusing the corners."
Elizalde has said that the criticism of this group of priests is not new and has said that they have also acted against previous bishops, adding that so far "no bishop has been found who has resisted them".
The bishop's statements have also gone further. Elizalde has said thatsome priests have "too much time to incordiate," and has also stressed that several of that group have retired.
The priests who signed the letter have grieved the bishop's words, denied Elizalde's qualifications and again warned that his management has created a "critical" situation in the diocese of Vitoria.
You might like
?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=80)
The 28 people arrested for incidents in connection with an act in Vito Quiles have been released
Sixteen of them have been charged with a crime of public disorder and twelve have been charged with an attack on law enforcement officials.
Euthanasia claims in the Basque Country have increased by 61% and the average length of the process has fallen to 39.4 days
According to the annual report published this Thursday, 107 applications were approved in 2025, 78 benefits were implemented and 31 people died before the completion of the process.
Three Molotov cocktails launched at Bayonne Subprefecture
According to reports from the Prefecture of the Atlantic Pyrenees, the attack took place around 4 a.m., but there was no significant damage.
Three persons investigated in Bizkaia for pretending to be civil guards to obtain data on a victim of gender-based violence
One of those investigated had a sentimental relationship with the woman, with whom he lived in Barakaldo.
A man has been arrested in Donostia as the alleged perpetrator of a sexual assault in the Egia neighbourhood
The San Sebastian City Council Spokespersons Board has convened a rally for tomorrow at 11:45 a.m. in the gardens of Alderdi Eder.
Members of the Foral Police have joined in the pain and supported the families of the five dead officers
The San Alberto de Pamplona Tanatorium will today be the scene of the vigil of the Foral police, where from the first hour of the morning there has been a constant influx of family, friends and colleagues. The driver of the truck injured in the accident has been discharged but is in shock.
Three residents of the former Fournier factory in Vitoria-Gasteiz have been evicted at the second launch in a week in the area
The Ertzaintza and the Vitoria-Gasteiz Local Police, by court order, have evicted three people who were on the industrial ship on Heraclio Fournier Street, alleging poor conditions and insecurity.
Life Nature's Finest Moments: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
On this occasion, the cameras of Life Nature have provided us with images of squirrels, flamingos, bird feeders, hooks, etc.
The judge in the Ibar case has given the prosecutor another month to decide on a new witness
According to Pablo Ibar's defense, the witness identified the two people who committed the murders, which would exonerate Ibar.
A moving minute of silence in the Navarre Parliament in memory of the five dead law enforcement officers
At the beginning of today's session, the Speaker of the House, Unai Hualde, read the institutional declaration adopted early in the morning at the Board of Spokespersons , a text that shows the "pain and grief" caused by the event.