San Gerardo Maiella
Table of contents
Cardinal
Rubén Salazar
Gómez
San Gerardo Maiella
Colombia
Tunc Dixi Ecce Venio
Behold I have come as I said
Table of contents
Key Data
Summary
Cardinal Rubén Salazar Gómez is a former Archbishop of Bogotá known for his focus on protecting traditional marriage, advocating for the unborn, and promoting peace in his country.
Born on September 22, 1942, in Bogotá, Salazar Gómez began his journey to priesthood at the Immaculada Concepción Archdiocesan seminary in Ibagué. In 1962, he furthered his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, earning a license in dogmatic theology. Salazar Gómez was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Ibagué on May 20, 1967.
Following his ordination, he served in various roles, including spiritual director and teacher at the Colegio Tolimense. He returned to Rome to study at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, where he earned a license in biblical sciences in 1971. Back in Colombia, he taught Sacred Scripture at the Major Seminary and held positions such as chaplain and parish priest.
Salazar Gómez’s ecclesiastical career advanced rapidly. On February 11, 1992, he was appointed Bishop of Cúcuta and was ordained as a bishop on March 25 of the same year. He later served as Archbishop of Barranquilla from March 18, 1999, to July 8, 2010. His most prominent position came on July 8, 2010, when he was appointed Archbishop of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.
In recognition of his service and leadership, Salazar Gómez was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI on November 24, 2012. He was assigned the title of Cardinal-Priest of San Gerardo Maiella. Throughout his career, he has been an active member of various church organizations, including serving as President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) from 2015 to 2019.
Cardinal Salazar Gómez participated in several important Church events, including the conclave of March 2013 that elected Pope Francis. He retired as Archbishop of Bogotá on April 25, 2020, at the age of 77.
Throughout his ministry, he has been known for his focus on protecting traditional marriage, advocating for the unborn, and promoting peace in Colombia which has suffered from years of internal conflict.
Service to the Church
- Ordination to the Priesthood: 20 May 1967
- Ordination to the Episcopate: 25 March 1992
- Elevation to the College of Cardinals: 24 November 2012
Education
- Studied at Immaculada Concepción Archdiocesan seminary of Ibagué.
- 1966: Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology, Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome
- 1971: Licentiate in biblical sciences, atPontifical Biblical Institute in Rome
Assignments
- 1967-1968: Spiritual director and teacher at the Colegio Tolimense
- 1968: Vicar Cooperator in the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro
- 1972-1987 and 1990-1992: Professor of Sacred Scripture at the Major Seminary
- 1973-1976: Chaplain of the male reformatory in Ibagué
- 1976-1978: Parish priest of Immaculado Corazón de María and chaplain of an infantry battalion.
- 1987-1990: Director of the National Secretariat of Social and Pastoral Ministry of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference.
- 1990: Parish priest of Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá and Pastoral Vicar of the Archdiocese.
- 1995-1998: Apostolic Administrator of the Prelature of Tibú
- 1998-1999: Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona
- 1996-1999: Head of the Doctrinal Commission of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference
- 2002-2005: Member of the administrative council of the Bishops’ Conference
- 2005-2008: President of the Pastoral and Social Commission and of Caritas
- 2008-2014: President of the Bishops of Colombia
- 2011-2015: Vice-President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM)
- 2015: President of CELAM
- Participant in several Synods of Bishops, including those in 2001, 2008, 2012, and 2015
- Representative of the Bolivarian countries, executive Council of Caritas Internationalis
Past Memberships
- Pontifical Council Cor Unum
Photo: Columbian Bishops’ Conference
