The Diocese of Palm Beach in Florida has withdrawn the ministerial faculties of Father Alex Vargas after an internal inquiry substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power, according to reporting by ewtnnews.com.

Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, who leads the diocese following the resignation of Bishop Gerald Barbarito, notified parishioners of the findings in a letter dated September 5. The bishop stated that diocesan officials first learned of “serious allegations” regarding Father Vargas in June.

Investigation Findings

The diocese reported the initial concerns to law enforcement and launched an independent investigation led by an external agency. Those findings were subsequently reviewed by the diocese’s adult allegation board.

The review board determined it credible that Father Vargas engaged in sexual misconduct, financial malfeasance, abuse of power, and violations of the diocesan code of conduct. The diocese explicitly noted that there were no credible allegations against him regarding the abuse of minors.

Based on these findings, the diocese declared Father Vargas “unsuitable for ministry” for the time being. His ministerial faculties remain withdrawn as he awaits a future judicial process within the Church.

Parish Transition and Support

Father Vargas was installed as pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in July 2025, having previously served there as parochial administrator and vicar. The diocese has designated another priest to serve as the parish’s administrator moving forward.

Members of the Diocesan Healing Intervention Team have been sent to St. Thomas More Parish to offer support to the community affected by the situation.

In his September letter, Bishop Rodríguez emphasized that Father Vargas “remains innocent until proven guilty” in the context of canonical procedures. The bishop outlined the steps taken to ensure accountability while respecting due process within Church law.