In a move that has raised eyebrows throughout the diocese, Archbishop Miguel Martinez was photographed arriving at the opening of a new food bank in his recently purchased Mercedes-Benz S-Class, valued at approximately $80,000.

The luxury vehicle, complete with custom leather interior and advanced driver assistance features, stood in stark contrast to the modest surroundings of St. Joseph's Community Kitchen, where dozens of families lined up for free groceries and hot meals.

"I understand the optics aren't ideal," Archbishop Martinez said in a statement released through the diocesan communications office. "However, this vehicle was purchased with funds specifically designated for episcopal transportation needs, not from parish collections or charitable donations."

The Archbishop explained that his previous vehicle, a 2015 sedan, had accumulated over 200,000 miles and required frequent costly repairs. "Given the extensive travel required for my pastoral duties across our 47 parishes, reliable transportation is essential," he noted.

However, parishioners have expressed frustration with the timing and choice of vehicle.

My grandmother gives her last $20 every Sunday to the collection basket. Seeing the Archbishop pull up in a car that costs more than most people make in two years... it doesn't feel very Christ-like to me.

The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for the diocese, which recently announced the closure of three inner-city parishes due to budget constraints. Critics argue that the funds could have been better allocated to keeping these parishes operational.

Father Thomas O'Malley, pastor of one of the affected parishes, declined to comment directly but noted that "our Lord walked everywhere He went, and when He did ride, it was on a humble donkey."

Diocesan financial records show that the vehicle was purchased through a special fund established by a wealthy benefactor specifically for episcopal expenses. The fund, according to diocesan spokesman Father David Chen, cannot legally be used for other purposes due to the donor's stipulations.

"While we understand the community's concerns, it's important to note that no money intended for charitable works or parish operations was diverted for this purchase," Father Chen explained.

The incident has reignited broader discussions about clerical lifestyle and financial transparency within the diocese. Several parish councils have requested detailed financial reports, and a group of lay Catholics has organized a petition calling for greater oversight of episcopal spending.

Archbishop Martinez, who has led the diocese for eight years, previously drew criticism for renovating the episcopal residence at a cost of $2.3 million, though those funds also came from designated donations rather than general parish collections.

The Archbishop has agreed to meet with parish representatives next week to address their concerns and discuss diocesan financial policies. "I remain committed to serving this community with humility and transparency," he said in his statement.