Since taking office on May 24, 2025, the shepherd of the Cordoban diocese has shown remarkable energy, actively participating in ecclesiastical and social life. His first homily set the tone, focusing on the poor and those distant from God, demonstrating a thoughtful and constant approach to the province's reality.
The arrival of a 69-year-old bishop from León generated expectations after his predecessor's long tenure. However, Jesús Fernández dispelled any doubts about his dynamism from the outset. After his inauguration at the Córdoba Cathedral, he presided over the solemn Mass of María Auxiliadora that afternoon in the courtyard of the Salesianos school, showcasing an intense agenda from the start.
Committed to a "synodal Church that walks together," Fernández has sought dialogue and connection with both "the Thou of God" and "the we of the Church." He soon honored local devotions, visiting the Custodio San Rafael, the Virgen de los Dolores, and the Virgen de la Fuensanta, key devotional figures in the city.
His closeness extended to the sporting arena, attending a match between Córdoba CF and Albacete at the El Arcángel stadium, a gesture greatly appreciated by fans. His past as a goalkeeper for Cultural Leonesa in his youth was also revealed, strengthening the bond with the people of Córdoba.
Continuing the path set by his predecessor, Demetrio Fernández, with whom he maintains good rapport, Jesús Fernández has initiated numerous pastoral visits to explore every corner of the diocese. His pastoral letters address the culture of peace, in line with Pope Leo XIV, serving as a close conduit for papal messages. His election as bishop of Córdoba by Pope Francis coincided with Cardinal Robert Prevost's appointment as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
The tragedy in Adamuz marked a turning point, demonstrating Jesús Fernández's deep empathy with the victims' families. He accessed the zero ground of the train accident and officiated Masses in both Adamuz and the Córdoba Cathedral, expressing "sadness and perplexity" while appealing for faith, hope, truth, and justice.
He has not shied away from current issues, such as the case of Noelia's euthanasia, lamenting that "as a society, we have failed her." On May Day, he remembered anonymous "saints next door," highlighting the Christian commitment of ordinary workers and migrants for labor dignity and human rights, in line with the Church's Social Doctrine.
On May 18, he participated in the HOAC day at the Linares sanctuary, under the slogan 'Care for work, care for life,' bringing together militants and sympathizers.
During the social communications day in May 2026, he called for the use of Artificial Intelligence that respects the human role. Regarding the Mezquita-Cathedral, the heart of the Church in the city, he defended its "religious and evangelizing use" as a heritage and tourist asset.
He has maintained an active relationship with popular religiosity, receiving penitential brotherhoods such as La Misericordia for its Jubilee Year, and La Sentencia and La Merced. He presided over the Great Via Crucis and accompanied all brotherhoods during Holy Week, both at their headquarters and along the official route, as well as brotherhoods of glory.
During the pilgrimages of the filial brotherhoods of El Rocío, Jesús Fernández has shared the path with pilgrims, presiding over night Masses and participating in the Raya Real. His style is to "go out to meet," seeking everyone, in line with the Church's objective to be "on-site" for every movement. He has visited schools and shown closeness to religious orders celebrating anniversaries, such as the 440 years of the Discalced Carmelites and the 150 years of the Filipenses Hijas de María Dolorosa.
In July 2025, he assigned new posts to about twenty priests. Although he has not yet modified his close team, he is in a discernment phase. After this initial period of familiarization, Jesús Fernández faces a new phase to set the course for his episcopate in Córdoba.
