Carlos Aguiar Retes
Stored: Carlos Aguiar Retes
| His Eminence Carlos Aguiar Retes | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Mexico City | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Tepic |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Texcoco |
| Other diocese 2: | Archdiocese of Tlalnepantla |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 22 April 1973 by Bishop Alfonso Sánchez Tinoco |
| Consecration: | 29 June 1997 by Archbishop Adolfo Antonio Suárez Rivera |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 19 November 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Carlos Aguiar Retes 9 January 1950 Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Mexican |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical University of Mexico |
| Motto: | "Ecclesia in Missionem" (The Church in Mission) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Latin America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Carlos Aguiar Retes (born 9 January 1950) is a Mexican Catholic prelate and cardinal who has served as Archbishop of Mexico City since 2017, overseeing the spiritual needs of millions in one of the world’s largest Catholic archdioceses and acting as custodian of the Virgin of Guadalupe’s image at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016, Aguiar Retes is a progressive voice aligned with Francis’ vision, emphasizing social justice, dialogue with political leaders, and outreach to vulnerable groups such as migrants, single mothers, and families of the disappeared. His intellectual background, multilingualism (Spanish, Italian, English, French, German, Latin, Greek), and leadership in the Latin American Episcopal Conference (CELAM) have made him a prominent figure, though his reserved media presence and limited global projection reduce his papabile prospects. At 75, he is one of two Mexican cardinal-electors participating in the 2025 papal conclave, set to begin May 7, where he advocates for a Church open to contemporary challenges.[1][2][3][4][5]
Ordained a priest in 1973, Aguiar Retes rose through academic and pastoral roles, serving as rector of Tepic Seminary and contributing to the *Biblia de América* translation. He was Bishop of Texcoco (1997–2009), Archbishop of Tlalnepantla (2009–2017), and president of CELAM (2011–2015), fostering regional Church unity. Appointed Archbishop of Mexico City to succeed the controversial Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, he has prioritized pastoral renewal, interreligious dialogue, and addressing Mexico’s violence and poverty, though some criticize his reticence on clerical abuse issues. In 2025, his participation in the conclave alongside Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega marks a historic moment for Mexico, though experts note his need for stronger alliances to influence the outcome significantly.[1][3][6][7]
Biography
Birth and early life
Carlos Aguiar Retes was born on January 9, 1950, in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, the second of six children of Carlos Aguiar Manjarrez and María Teresa Retes Pérez. Raised in a devout Catholic family, his early life was shaped by the vibrant religious culture of western Mexico, particularly devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe. His vocation emerged in childhood, influenced by his parish community and the encouragement of local clergy, leading him to enter the seminary at age 11.[1][2][3]
Educated at Tepic’s minor seminary, Aguiar Retes showed intellectual promise, excelling in languages and theology. His family’s middle-class background and the Church’s role in Nayarit’s social fabric instilled a commitment to service, which later defined his pastoral focus on the marginalized. His early exposure to Mexico’s socio-political challenges, including poverty and inequality, shaped his progressive outlook.[1][6]
Education
Aguiar Retes studied humanities and philosophy at the Seminary of Tepic (1961–1969), followed by theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in sacred scripture. He later pursued doctoral studies in biblical theology at the Gregorian, completing his dissertation in 1995. His academic career included teaching sacred scripture at the Pontifical University of Mexico (1996–1997), where he also served as rector of the Juan XXIII Residence for priests.[1][2][7]
His Roman education exposed him to global Church issues and Vatican II’s reforms, fostering his progressive theology. Fluent in Spanish, Italian, English, French, German, Latin, and Greek, he contributed to the *Biblia de América* translation (1992–1996), reflecting his scholarly expertise. His time as rector of Tepic Seminary (1978–1991) grounded his academics in pastoral leadership.[1][3]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on April 22, 1973, by Bishop Alfonso Sánchez Tinoco for the Diocese of Tepic, Aguiar Retes served as a parish priest and diocesan youth chaplain before becoming rector of Tepic Seminary (1978–1991). He founded the Serra Club to promote vocations and presided over the Mexican Organization of Seminaries (1986–1990). His early ministry focused on catechesis and education, strengthening Nayarit’s Catholic community.[1][2][7]
His intellectual and administrative talents led to national roles, including vocal of the Latin American Seminaries Organization (1986–1990). His work on the *Biblia de América* and teaching at the Pontifical University of Mexico enhanced his reputation as a theologian. Appointed Bishop of Texcoco in 1997, his priesthood laid a foundation for his rapid ecclesiastical ascent.[1][3]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Texcoco by Pope John Paul II on May 28, 1997, Aguiar Retes was consecrated on June 29, 1997, by Archbishop Adolfo Antonio Suárez Rivera. He served as Secretary General (2000–2003) and First Vice President (2003–2007) of CELAM, and Secretary General (2004–2006) and President (2007–2009) of the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM). Named Archbishop of Tlalnepantla in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI, he became Archbishop of Mexico City in 2017, succeeding Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera.[1][7]
Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on November 19, 2016, he received the titular church of Santi Fabiano e Venanzio a Villa Fiorelli. As Archbishop, he has emphasized dialogue with Mexico’s government, pastoral outreach to the poor, and environmental stewardship, notably calling for sustainable lifestyles in 2019. In 2025, he participates in the May 7 conclave, though experts note his limited alliances reduce his influence compared to figures like Cardinals Parolin or Tagle.[3][4][5]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Texcoco | Bishop | 28 May 1997 | 5 February 2009 | Promoted CELAM and biblical scholarship |
| Archdiocese of Tlalnepantla | Archbishop | 5 February 2009 | 7 December 2017 | President of CEM, 2007–2009 |
| Archdiocese of Mexico City | Archbishop | 7 December 2017 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2016, custodian of Virgin of Guadalupe |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Tepic in 1973.[2]
- Appointed Bishop of Texcoco in 1997.[1]
- Named Secretary General of CELAM in 2000.[7]
- Became Archbishop of Tlalnepantla in 2009.[1]
- Elected President of CELAM, 2011–2015.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016.[1]
- Appointed Archbishop of Mexico City in 2017.[2]
- Washed feet of migrants and families of the disappeared on Holy Thursday, 2025.[6][5]
- Participated in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, as one of two Mexican electors.[3][4][5]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Aguiar Retes were identified in the provided sources. General references include:
* Books on Mexican Church History (potential sources for contextual information).
Written by the bishop
- No books authored by Cardinal Aguiar Retes were identified in the provided sources. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Mexico City, but no published books are documented.
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 "Carlos Aguiar Retes". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Aguiar_Retes.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_aguiar-retes_c.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Los dos cardenales mexicanos con voz y voto". El País. 2025-04-22. https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-04-22/los-dos-cardenales-mexicanos-con-voz-y-voto-para-elegir-al-sucesor-de-francisco-y-sus-posibilidades-de-ser-electos.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Cónclave para elegir al sucesor del papa Francisco". El Financiero. 2025-04-21. https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/mundo/2025/04/21/conclave-para-elegir-al-sucesor-del-papa-francisco-ellos-son-los-2-cardenales-mexicanos-que-estaran/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Carlos Aguiar Retes, el amigo de Bergoglio". Excélsior. 2025-04-26. https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/carlos-aguiar-retes-el-amigo-de-bergoglio-con-voz-y-voto-en-el-conclave/1650263.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Carlos Aguiar Retes". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/baguiar.html.