Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda is a retired Mexican prelate who oversaw the creation of a new diocese, worked to promote justice and peace, and faced the scourge of drug trafficking among his flock.

Born on January 30, 1939, in Celaya, Mexico, Suárez Inda began his religious education at the seminary in Morelia before furthering his studies at the Latin American Pontifical Pius College in Rome from 1958 to 1965.

Ordained priest on August 8, 1964, Suárez Inda initially served as a parish vicar in Morelia and Pátzcuaro. He then taught at the archdiocesan seminary and later became the first parish priest of the Assumption of Mary community in his hometown of Celaya. In 1974, he was appointed rector of the minor seminary in the newly created diocese of Celaya, a position he held until 1985.

Suárez Inda’s episcopal journey began on November 5, 1985, when he was appointed Bishop of Tacámbaro, receiving his episcopal ordination the following month. His leadership skills were further recognized when Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Morelia on January 20, 1995.

During his two decades as Archbishop of Morelia, Suárez Inda made significant contributions to the growth of the Church in the region. He oversaw the creation of the new diocese of Irapuato, established over 40 new parishes, and ordained four bishops and approximately 300 priests. His tenure in Morelia was marked by challenges, including addressing the scourge of drug trafficking, which Pope Francis strongly denounced in the area.

Suárez Inda has been an active member of the Bishops’ Conference of Mexico (CEM), serving in various capacities including vice-president for two terms. He has also been involved with the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) and participated in several important Church assemblies and conferences.

The pinnacle of Suárez Inda’s ecclesiastical career came on February 15, 2015, when Pope Francis created and proclaimed him cardinal, assigning him the Title of San Policarpo. The appointment came as a surprise to Suárez Inda, occurring just a year before he was due to present his resignation for reasons of age.