Florida diocese finds priest unsuitable for ministry after sexual misconduct, abuse of power investigation

The Diocese of Palm Beach has determined that a Florida priest is unsuitable for ministry after an independent investigation substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of power, financial wrongdoing, and violations of diocesan conduct rules. 

Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez announced the findings Sept. 5 in a letter concerning the Rev. Alex J. Vargas, who served as pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach before the diocese placed him on administrative leave in June.

“The removal from ministry is not a legal determination of guilt,” Bishop Rodríguez said in the letter, published by CBS 12 News. “As provided by both civil and canon law, Reverend Alex J. Vargas remains innocent until proven guilty.”

According to the letter, the diocese learned of “serious allegations” involving Father Vargas on June 17 and reported the matter to civil authorities and law enforcement. The diocese then retained Renaissance Associates Ltd., a professional investigative agency, to conduct an independent investigation.

Bishop Rodríguez said the investigation uncovered no credible allegation that Father Vargas had sexually abused a minor. The diocese therefore referred the findings to its Adult Allegation Board rather than the board that reviews allegations involving minors.

The Adult Allegation Board found insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation of sexual abuse. However, it found sufficient evidence to substantiate separate allegations of sexual misconduct; abuse of power, authority, or office; financial malfeasance; and violations of diocesan rules governing sexual contact, harassment, conflicts of interest, and administrative responsibilities.

The bishop said he accepted the board’s findings and determined that Father Vargas is “unsuitable for ministry.” Father Vargas will remain out of ministry, and the diocese will withdraw his priestly faculties or authorization to exercise public ministry, according to the letter.

The diocese said it will not release additional information until the conclusion of the church’s judicial proceedings under canon law.

“I recognize that this news may be troubling and difficult to understand,” Bishop Rodríguez said, adding that members of the Diocesan Healing Intervention Team would be available to parishioners after all Masses on Sept. 5 and 6 at St. Thomas More to “offer support, answer questions, and provide a compassionate space for conversation and healing.”

The diocese initially placed Father Vargas on administrative leave June 18, one day after receiving the allegations. Officials withdrew his ministerial faculties and barred him from contacting parishioners, employees, volunteers, ministries, or diocesan organizations without permission.

Bishop Rodríguez appointed the Very Rev. Antony Pulikal to serve as administrator of St. Thomas More Parish in the meantime, giving him full pastoral and financial authority over the parish. 

The findings come less than a month after Bishop Rodríguez promulgated new diocesan regulations, policies, and procedures for safeguarding Catholics and others under the diocese’s care. The policy took effect Aug. 8 on an experimental basis for two years.