Francisco Álvarez Martínez
Francisco Álvarez Martínez was a Spanish prelate of the Catholic Church who served as the Archbishop of Toledo from 1995 to 2002. He also held bishoprics in Tarazona, Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño, and Orihuela-Alicante. Elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001, he participated in the 2005 papal conclave.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Asturias, Spain on July 14, 1925.
- ›Ordained a priest in 1950 and studied canon law.
- ›Served as bishop in Tarazona (1973-1976), Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño (1976-1989), and Orihuela-Alicante (1989-1995).
- ›Appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Toledo in 1995.
- ›Created Cardinal Priest of Santa Maria Regina Pacis a Monte Verde in 2001.
- ›Died on January 5, 2022, at the age of 96.
Served As Archbishop of Toledo, Created Cardinal, Participated In the 2005 Papal Conclave
About Francisco Álvarez Martínez
Francisco Álvarez Martínez (1925–2022) was a prominent Spanish prelate of the Catholic Church, best known for his tenure as the Archbishop of Toledo and his elevation to the rank of Cardinal. His extensive ecclesiastical career spanned several dioceses before he reached the primatial see of Spain.
Life and Ministry
Born in Llanera, Asturias, on July 14, 1925, Álvarez Martínez pursued theological studies at the seminary in Oviedo. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1950, and subsequently served in various administrative roles within the Archdiocese of Oviedo, including as secretary and chancellor. His academic pursuits included advanced studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of Salamanca and a doctorate from the Pontifical University of Comillas in 1962.
His episcopal journey began with his appointment as Bishop of Tarazona on April 13, 1973, by Pope Paul VI. He was later transferred to the see of Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño on December 20, 1976, and then to Orihuela-Alicante on May 12, 1989. On June 23, 1995, he was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Toledo, a significant position within the Spanish Catholic hierarchy.
Cardinalate and Later Years
Álvarez Martínez was created a Cardinal Priest of Santa Maria Regina Pacis a Monte Verde by Pope John Paul II in a consistory held on February 21, 2001. He continued to serve as Archbishop of Toledo until his resignation was accepted by Pope John Paul II on October 24, 2002. In his later years, he remained an elector, participating in the 2005 papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Francisco Álvarez Martínez died in Madrid on January 5, 2022, at the age of 96, following a prolonged illness.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Francisco Álvarez Martínez born and when did he die?
Francisco Álvarez Martínez was born on July 14, 1925, and he passed away on January 5, 2022.
What were the main roles Francisco Álvarez Martínez held in the Catholic Church?
He served as a bishop in Tarazona, Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño, and Orihuela-Alicante before becoming the Archbishop of Toledo. He was also created a Cardinal in 2001.
When did Francisco Álvarez Martínez serve as Archbishop of Toledo?
He was the Archbishop of Toledo from June 23, 1995, until his resignation was accepted on October 24, 2002.
Did Francisco Álvarez Martínez participate in any papal conclaves?
Yes, Francisco Álvarez Martínez was one of the cardinal electors who participated in the 2005 papal conclave, which elected Pope Benedict XVI.
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