Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati Andrello is an Archbishop Emeritus of Santiago, Chile, known for his social concerns and commitment to education and evangelization but like many other Chilean bishops, he became embroiled in allegations of covering up sexual abuse cases in 2018.

Born in Campiglia dei Berici, Vicenza (Italy), on 7 January 1942, at the age of seventeen, Ezzati chose to enter the seminary for the Salesians of Saint John Bosco, opting for a novitiate outside of Italy. In 1959, he transferred to Chile to carry out his novitiate with the Salesians of Quilpué, Valparaíso, marking the beginning of his lifelong connection to the country.

Ezzati Andrello completed his studies in philosophy at the Catholic University of Valparaíso and theology at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. He made his first profession as a Salesian in 1961 and his perpetual vows in 1966. On March 18, 1970, he was ordained a priest for the Salesians.

Following his ordination, Ezzati Andrello pursued further education, obtaining a licentiate in religious studies at the Institut de Pastoral catéchétique of Strasbourg and a title of teacher of religion and philosophy from the Catholic University of Valparaíso. He served in various roles within the Salesian community, including head of youth ministry, director of community and Salesian work, and provincial inspector of the Salesians in Chile.

His career in the Church hierarchy began on June 28, 1996, when he was appointed Bishop of Valdivia, receiving episcopal ordination on September 8 of the same year. He later served as an auxiliary bishop of Santiago de Chile from 2001 to 2006. On December 27, 2006, he was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Concepción.

In 2010, Ezzati Andrello became the Archbishop of Santiago, where he worked with youth and prisoners. He played a significant role in addressing issues within the Church, including disbanding a priestly association whose founder was found guilty of sexual abuse.

Pope Francis elevated Ricardo Ezzati Andrello to the college of cardinals in a consistory on February 22, 2014, at the age of 72. He was assigned the title of Santissimo Redentore a Valmelaina. As a cardinal, he took part in the Synod on the Family in 2014 and 2015.

Throughout his career, Cardinal Ezzati Andrello has been known for his social concerns, acting as a mediator between laborers and employers, and for his commitment to education and evangelization. His life and work embody his own words: “I am of Italian origins and of Chilean vocation,” reflecting his deep connection to both his native Italy and his adopted home of Chile.

In 2018, like many other Chilean bishop, Ezzati became a focal point of criticism from abuse survivors for his alleged mishandling of several abuse cases. Cardinal Ezzati consistently denied any participation in covering up abuse. The Pope accepted his resignation in 2019 at the age of 75.