The Diocese of Málaga has embarked on its most extensive internal reorganization since the arrival of its current bishop. Bishop José Antonio Satué Huerto, who took office on September 13, 2025, has signed a decree appointing twelve new officials to principal pastoral governance and diocesan administration positions. These new roles will progressively take effect in the coming weeks.
This decision follows nine months of the bishop's mandate and comes after an internal consultation conducted among priests and diocesan leaders through a survey. Satué Huerto was appointed by the Holy See on June 27, 2025, succeeding Bishop Jesús Catalá Ibáñez.
The most significant appointment is that of the vicar general, the second-highest authority within the diocese, who coordinates its daily operations. This position has been assigned to Rev. Francisco Javier Guerrero García.
Under his coordination, six episcopal vicars will oversee different geographical areas, acting as the bishop's direct representatives. Rev. Miguel Ángel Gamero Pérez will manage the Metropolitan Area of Málaga; Rev. Juan Manuel Ortiz Palomo, the Axarquía (inland and coastal); Rev. Antonio Jiménez Fuentes, O.SS.T., the Interior region; Rev. José Luis Pastor González, Melilla; and Rev. Manuel Jiménez Bárcenas, the Serranía and Costa del Sol.
The new appointments also cover pastoral activities, canon law, the seminary, social action, economy, and the bishop's personal secretariat. Rev. Salvador Gil Canto will serve as the episcopal vicar for Pastoral Care. Diocesan legal matters, such as marriage tribunals and canonical processes, will be handled by Rev. Rafael Navarro Cortés, appointed Judicial Vicar.
The formation of future priests will be overseen by Rev. José Emilio Cabra Meléndez, who will direct the Major Seminary, the center for candidates to the priesthood. Rev. Reinaldo Aguilera Aguilera has been appointed episcopal delegate for Cáritas Málaga, the Church's organization for assisting vulnerable individuals.
The diocese's financial management will be entrusted to Rev. Guillermo Tejero Moya as diocesan treasurer, supported by vice-treasurers Rev. Rafael Carmona Estrada and D. Andrés González de Lara Sarria. Rev. Fernando Luque Varo and D. Daniel Guerrero García will provide direct support to the bishop with his schedule and daily affairs as personal secretary and assistant.
The diocese has indicated that this reorganization aims to strengthen the pastoral structure and improve internal coordination, with a phased implementation to facilitate the transition.
