Spanish Court Rules Against Excommunicated Nuns, Orders Eviction

A Spanish court has ruled in favor of the Catholic Church, ordering a group of excommunicated Poor Clare nuns to vacate the Belorado monastery in Burgos, Spain. The nuns had been occupying the property despite being formally excommunicated and expelled from consecrated life in June 2024 for committing the crime of schism. The court’s decision declares that the nuns have no legal right to remain in the monastery, and they must leave the property or face forced eviction.

Background of the Dispute
The dispute began when the nuns released a manifesto claiming the papal seat was “vacant and usurped” and rejecting post-Vatican II teachings. They also placed themselves under the tutelage of an excommunicated false bishop, Pablo de Rojas. The Archdiocese of Burgos formally informed the nuns that they had to appear before the ecclesiastical court of Burgos to answer for the crime of schism, which carries the penalty of excommunication. The nuns failed to appear, leading to their formal excommunication and expulsion from consecrated life ².

Implications of the Ruling
The court’s ruling emphasizes that the nuns’ attempt to form a civil association to justify their continued residence is illegitimate. Carlos Azcona, representing the Vatican-appointed commissioner, said the ruling addresses the substance of the matter, and the nuns’ “so-called conventual chapter” is nothing more than a gathering of individuals lacking authority. The ruling paves the way for the Catholic Church to regain control of the monastery, and the nuns will have to vacate the premises or face forced eviction.