San Lorenzo in Damaso
Table of contents
Cardinal
Antonio María
Rouco Varela
San Lorenzo in Damaso
Spain
In ecclesiae communione
In the communion of the Church
Table of contents
Key Data
Summary
Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela is a former Archbishop of Madrid with orthodox views who led opposition to the Spanish government’s policies on abortion and same-sex “marriage.”
Born on August 20, 1936, in Vilalba, Spain, Rouco Varela is one of four siblings whose religious education began at the seminary in Mondoñedo. This was followed by studies at the Pontifical University of Salamanca from 1954 to 1958, where he obtained his licentiate in theology. On March 28, 1959, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Francisco Barbado y Viejo.
Furthering his education, Rouco Varela attended the University of Munich, earning a doctorate in canon law in 1964. His dissertation focused on church-state relations in 16th century Spain. He then held various academic positions, teaching fundamental theology, canon law, and ecclesiastical law at the seminary of Mondoñedo and the University of Munich.
In 1976, Pope Paul VI appointed Rouco Varela as the titular Bishop of Gergi and Auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela. His ecclesiastical career continued to flourish when Pope John Paul II named him Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela in 1984. In this role, he played a significant part in hosting the 4th World Youth Day in 1989.
Rouco Varela’s influence in the Catholic Church grew further when he was appointed Archbishop of Madrid by Pope John Paul II in 1994. During his tenure in Madrid, he officiated numerous royal family events, including the wedding of Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz, and the baptisms of their daughters, Leonor and Sofia.
On February 21, 1998, Pope John Paul II elevated Rouco Varela to the rank of Cardinal-Priest of S. Lorenzo in Damaso. He participated in the 2005 and 2013 papal conclaves. Rouco Varela also served as the president of the Episcopal Conference of Spain from 1999 to 2005 and again from 2008 to 2014.
Throughout his career, Cardinal Rouco Varela has been known for his orthodox views. He led opposition to the socialist Spanish government’s policies on abortion and same-sex “marriage.” He has also shown a keen interest in engaging with youth, emphasizing the importance of their encounter with Jesus Christ. He has been a vocal supporter of the Neocatechumenal Way.
On August 28, 2014, Rouco Varela was succeeded as Archbishop of Madrid by Carlos Osoro Sierra.
Service to the Church
- Ordination to the Priesthood: 28 March 1959
- Ordination to the Episcopate: 31 October 1976
- Elevation to the College of Cardinals: 21 February 1998
Education
- 1946-1954: Seminary of Mondoñedo-Ferrol
- 1954-1958: Pontifical University of Salamanca
- 1959-1964: Doctorate in Theology and Canon Law, University of Munich
Assignments
- 1964-1966: Professor of fundamental theology and canon law at the seminary of Mondoñedo
- 1966-1969: Adjunct professor at the Institute of Canon Law at the University of Munich
- 1969-1971: Professor of public ecclesiastical law at the Pontifical University of Salamanca
- 1971-1972: Professor of fundamental canon law and Vice-Rector at the Pontifical University of Salamanca
- 1984: Appointed Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela
- 1989: Hosted the Fourth World Youth Day in August
- 1994: Appointed Archbishop of Madrid
- 1996: Nominated “Magnum Cancellarium” of the Theology Faculty of San Dámaso
- 1999-2005: President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (first term)
- 2008-2014: President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (second term)
- 2014: Retired as Archbishop of Madrid
Past Memberships
- Council of Cardinals
Photo: vatican.va biography
