View source for Carlos Osoro Sierra

{{Bishop
|honorific_prefix=His Eminence
|name=Carlos Osoro Sierra
|diocese=Archdiocese of Madrid (Emeritus)
|home_diocese=Diocese of Santander
|other_diocese1=Diocese of Ourense
|other_diocese2=Archdiocese of Oviedo
|other_diocese3=Archdiocese of Valencia
|ordination=29 July 1973
|ordained_by=Archbishop Pedro Cantero Cuadrado
|consecration=22 February 1997
|consecrated_by=Archbishop Julián Barrio Barrio
|rank=Cardinal
|cardinal=19 November 2016
|created_cardinal_by=Pope Francis
|conclave_eligibility=Eligible
|birth_name=Carlos Osoro Sierra
|birth_date=16 May 1945
|birth_place=Castañeda, Cantabria, Spain
|death_date=
|death_place=
|nationality=Spanish
|education=Pontifical University of Salamanca, University of Salamanca
|motto="Per Christum et cum Ipso et in Ipso" (Through Him, with Him, and in Him)
|role=Emeritus
|theology=Moderate<!-- Inferred from his pastoral approach and alignment with Francis -->
|region=Western Europe
|rite=Roman Rite
}}

Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra, born {{Birth date and age|1945|5|16}}, is a Spanish prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his tenure as Archbishop of Madrid from 2014 to 2023 and as one of Spain’s prominent cardinals, elevated by Pope Francis in 2016. Nicknamed “Don Carlos the Pilgrim” by Francis for his frequent walks among parishioners, Osoro Sierra is recognized for his pastoral sensitivity, commitment to Catholic education, and dialogue with diverse communities, including interreligious initiatives and outreach to the marginalized. His leadership in Madrid, Valencia, and Oviedo, combined with roles in the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE) and Vatican congregations, has made him a respected figure, though his orthodox-leaning yet open approach has sparked debate amid Church divisions. At 79, Osoro Sierra is one of four Spanish cardinal-electors in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, where he advocates for continuing Francis’ direction while acknowledging tensions between progressive and conservative factions, expressing confidence in maintaining Church unity.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Osoro_Sierra |title=Carlos Osoro Sierra |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref><ref name="vatican">{{cite web |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_osoro-sierra_c.html |title=Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra |publisher=Vatican Press |access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref><ref name="rtve">{{cite web |url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20250423/cardenal-osoro-sierra-descarta-elegido-papa-aboga-mantener-direccion-francisco/1605518.shtml |title=El cardenal Osoro Sierra descarta ser elegido papa |publisher=RTVE |date=2025-04-23 |access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref><ref name="marca">{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/tiramillas/actualidad/2025/04/25/cardenal-carlos-osoro-cristina-pardo-situacion-iglesia-muerte-papa-no-oculta-division_1650805.html |title=El cardenal Carlos Osoro desvela a Cristina Pardo |publisher=Marca |date=2025-04-25 |access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref><ref name="xposts"/>

Ordained a priest in 1973, Osoro Sierra served as Bishop of Ourense (1997–2002), Archbishop of Oviedo (2002–2009), and Archbishop of Valencia (2009–2014) before leading Madrid, where he fostered youth ministry and interfaith dialogue. His appointment to the Council of Cardinals (C9) in 2023 underscores his global influence, though he retired as Archbishop in 2023, succeeded by José Cobo Cano. In 2025, Osoro Sierra’s participation in the conclave, despite nearing 80, highlights his enduring role, with recent interviews emphasizing Francis’ renewal and the need for a unifying pope, though he dismisses his own election prospects.<ref name="wiki"/><ref name="cathworld">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/04/28/meet-the-5-oldest-cardinals-taking-part-in-the-2025-conclave/ |title=Meet the 5 oldest cardinals taking part in the 2025 conclave |publisher=Catholic World Report |date=2025-04-28 |access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref><ref name="cantabria">{{cite web |url=https://www.cantabriadirecta.es/el-cardenal-carlos-osoro-castaneda-cantabria-en-el-listado-de-posible-santo-pontifice/ |title=El cardenal Carlos Osoro (Castañeda, Cantabria) |publisher=Cantabria Directa |date=2025-04-21 |access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref><ref name="rtve"/><ref name="xposts"/>