Cardinal Adalberto Martínez Flores is the first ever Paraguayan cardinal, a U.S.-educated prelate whose views on synodality and concern for social and environmental issues closely mirror those of Pope Francis.

Born on July 8, 1951, in Asunción, Paraguay, his educational background is diverse, having studied economics at the National University of Asunción for three years before pursuing advanced English in Washington, D.C., and philosophy at Oblate College in San Antonio, Texas.

He later moved to Frascati to study at the International School for Priests of the Focolare Movement and completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in 1981.

Martínez Flores was ordained priest on August 24, 1985, by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, then bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. He served as a priest in the diocese of Saint Thomas from 1985 to 1994, first on St. Croix and then on St. Thomas. After being incardinated in the Archdiocese of Asunción in 1994, he became parish priest of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary parish until 1997.

His episcopal career began on August 14, 1997, when Pope John Paul II appointed him as an auxiliary bishop of Asunción. He then served as the first bishop of the new Diocese of San Lorenzo from 2000 to 2007, followed by appointments to the Diocese of San Pedro and the Military Ordinariate of Paraguay. In 2018, he was transferred to Villarrica del Espíritu Santo while continuing as apostolic administrator of the Military Ordinariate.

Martínez Flores demonstrated leadership within the Paraguayan Catholic Church, serving as president of the Episcopal Conference of Paraguay for two consecutive terms starting in 2018. His most significant appointment came on February 17, 2022, when Pope Francis named him Archbishop of Asunción.

The pinnacle of his ecclesiastical career came on August 27, 2022, when Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal, assigning him the title of San Giovanni a Porta Latina. This historic event made Martínez Flores the first cardinal in Paraguayan history, a fact he views as a recognition of the faith of the Paraguayan people rather than a personal achievement.

Cardinal Martínez Flores has strongly condemned abortion, calling it “abominable” and considering it a threat against the family.

He strongly supports the synodal process promoted by Pope Francis. He considers synodality to be an important challenge for the Church, which implies “walking together” with the laity, bishops, priests and deacons. He has also praised how young people push the Church to be more synodal. He has also emphasized the importance of unity and communion within the College of Cardinals, recognizing the universal nature of the Gospel message.

Although he has not spoken explicitly about environmental issues, the cardinal participated in an event called “Paraguayan Social Week 2023” that addressed topics such as production models, climate change and healthy eating, suggesting that he considers these issues important.

Since his elevation to cardinal, Martínez Flores has visited Rome several times to promote the canonization of a Paraguayan blessed, to take possession of his titular church,  and to attend the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Martínez Flores has been actively involved in social welfare initiatives, particularly focusing on health care and support for marginalized communities, addressing the needs of the poor and advocating for social justice.

Cardinal Martínez Flores’s elevation to the cardinalate is seen as part of Pope Francis’ efforts to create a more globally representative College of Cardinals, reflecting the diversity of the Catholic Church worldwide. Like many such choices, the cardinal’s views align closely with those of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Martínez Flores speaks Spanish (his native language), English, and Italian.