Cobo became a priest in 1994 and was named an auxiliary bishop in 2017; after his ordination, he oversaw various social issue–related departments within the Spanish Episcopal Conference.

During an interview, Cobo sparked controversy when he stated that he would not officiate same-sex marriages, comparing the act to celebrating the Eucharist with Coca-Cola.

José Cobo was born on 20 September 1965 in the municipality of Sabiote, Andalusia, where he was baptized in the Parochial Church of San Pedro [es].

[6] He started his ministry as deputy at Hermandades del Trabajo de Madrid, a Catholic evangelist and social work organization (1994–1996).

These include the Cross with the Five Holy Wounds, a representation of his faith; a bell, reflecting his role in guiding the people of God through various situations; a wash-basin, reflecting his servitude to others; and a broken wall with a star in the background, referencing the discovery of the Virgin of Almudena and his town's patron saint, the Virgin of the Star [es].

[5] On 29 June 2023, in a ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica ordained by Pope Francis, he received the pallium, an ecclesiastical vestment for metropolitans.

[i][23] His promotion was not well received within Madrid's clergy due to his lack of experience; he broke the tradition of the last five archbishops having to pass through other archbishoprics before reaching the capital.

This profile fits with the progressive stance that has marked the Francis's pontificate, and it is believed to have played a substantial role in his appointment.

[4][26][27] Earlier in 2023, the Pope had also made other contentious nominations, Francisco José Prieto Fernández [es] and Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva; both auxiliary bishops, were elevated to the positions of archbishops of Santiago de Compostela and Buenos Aires, respectively.

[30] In an interview at World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Cobo criticized the church as being manipulated by "ideological interests" and as an instrument to win votes and reaffirm political positions.