Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera is an orthodox former Metropolitan Archbishop of Mexico City who taught dogmatic theology for many years and as archbishop was a fervent defender of life, strongly opposed to same-sex “marriage.”

Born on June 6, 1942, in La Purísima, Tepehuanes, Mexico, Rivera Carrera began his religious journey in 1955 when he entered the seminary of Durango, where he completed his classical studies, philosophy, and a year of theology.

Pursuing higher education, Rivera Carrera earned a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His ordination as a priest took place on July 3, 1966, in St. Peter’s Basilica, with Pope Paul VI presiding over the ceremony.

Following his ordination, Rivera Carrera served as a curate in Rio Grande and then dedicated 18 years to teaching dogmatic theology at the major seminary of Durango, where he also held the position of prefect of discipline. His academic contributions extended to teaching sacred scripture, pastoral and spiritual theology, and later, ecclesiology at the Pontifical University of Mexico.

Throughout his career, Rivera Carrera took on various roles within the Church. He founded the Movement for the Days of Christian Life, served as chaplain of San Martín de Porres, and was involved in the construction of the parish of Santa Rosa de Lima and the church of Maria Auxiliadora. He also held positions such as member of the Presbyteral Council, diocesan secretary of the pastoral commission, and director of social communications for the archdiocese.

On November 5, 1985, Pope John Paul II appointed Rivera Carrera as Bishop of Tehuacán and he was consecrated a month later. From 1989 to 1995, he chaired the Mexican Episcopal Conference’s Commission for the Family and was a member of the superior council of the Pontifical University of Mexico.

Rivera Carrera’s career reached new heights on June 13, 1995, when he was appointed Archbishop Primate of Mexico, a position he held until 2017. On February 21, 1998, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of Cardinal, assigning him the title of S. Francesco a Ripa Grande.

As cardinal, Rivera Carrera participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves. He also served as a member of various Vatican congregations and councils, including the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for the Clergy, and the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Throughout his tenure, Cardinal Rivera Carrera was known for his conservative stance on social issues. He opposed the legalization of same-sex “marriage” and adoption by same-sex couples, and spoke out against abortion. On December 7, 2017, Pope Francis accepted Cardinal Rivera Carrera’s resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Mexico.

In January 2021, Cardinal Rivera Carrera faced a health challenge when he was hospitalized with COVID-19. After a period in intensive care and receiving the Anointing of the Sick, he recovered and was discharged from the hospital in early March of that year.