The Diocese of Palm Beach has placed the Rev. Alex J. Vargas, parish priest of St. Thomas More Parish in Boynton Beach, on administrative leave after what it described Thursday as “serious charges” involving the priest.
In a statement posted Thursday afternoon, the diocese said a formal investigation has been launched and that Vargas’ ministerial powers have been withdrawn effective immediately.
“To ensure the safety of all persons involved and to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, Father Vargas has been placed on administrative leave,” the diocese said.
The diocese said Vargas is barred from practicing any ministry and from having contact with parishioners, employees, volunteers, ministries or affiliated organizations of the Diocese of Palm Beach, including St. Thomas More Parish, unless he receives express permission from the diocese.
The diocese did not provide details about the nature of the charges in its announcement. It said the matter has been reported to “competent civil authorities.”
“As both civil law and canonical law recognize it, Father Vargas enjoys the presumption of innocence and is not considered guilty at this time,” the statement said.
Effective immediately, the Very Rev. Antony Pulikal has been appointed parochial administrator of St. Thomas More Parish, with full pastoral, administrative and financial authority, according to the diocese.
Vargas was installed as pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in July 2025, according to a previous diocesan article.
The Diocese of Palm Beach said it remains committed to maintaining safe environments in its parishes, schools and ministries.