Last week in Spain, former nun Laura Garcia de Viedma and Sister Paloma were arrested over allegations of misappropriating and selling historic artworks stolen from the Santa Maria de la Bretonera monastery in Belorado.
Former nuns arrested on theft charges
In late October, Spanish authorities detained Laura Garcia de Viedma, a former abbess of Santa Maria de la Bretonera, and Sister Paloma, a nun at the same monastery. They face accusations of embezzlement and illicit sale of works that were part of the monastery’s historic collection. A dealer from León was also arrested for purchasing antique pieces without verifying their provenance.
On 28 November, after giving testimony, the women were released from custody. Prosecutors argue that the financial gains were to support the nuns’ personal needs.
What was stolen from the monastery?
The investigation began after police found several online listings for artworks from the Belorado monastery. Some of the items appeared on the internet and were also displayed in an antique shop in Madrid.
Among the targeted pieces was a 17th‑century statue of St. Anthony of Padua. A video footage of the search was posted by the Guardia Civil on social media.
Revolt among nuns
Earlier in 2024, the convent’s sisters staged a protest against reforms introduced by Vatican II. They pledged allegiance to Pablo de Rojas, a new spiritual leader and sect founder who allegedly involved them in real‑estate dealings.
The sisters of Vitoria sued the convent for breaching a sale agreement of the Orduna monastery. They were supposed to pay 1.2 million euros, a payment that never materialised.
