Alberto Suárez Inda
Stored: Alberto Suárez Inda
| His Eminence Alberto Suárez Inda | |
| Bishop of | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Morelia |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Tacámbaro |
| Other diocese 2: | Archdiocese of Morelia |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 8 August 1964 by Archbishop Luis María Altamirano y Bulnes |
| Consecration: | 20 December 1985 by Archbishop Girolamo Prigione |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 14 February 2015 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Alberto Suárez Inda January 30, 1939 Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Mexican |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | Sicut Aquila Renovabitur |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Latin America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Ineligible |
Alberto Suárez Inda, born January 30, 1939, is a Mexican Catholic cardinal and Archbishop Emeritus of Morelia, serving from 1995 to 2016. He was Bishop of Tacámbaro (1985–1995) and a key figure in addressing Mexico’s violence and social challenges. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2015, he promoted peace and dialogue within the Roman Rite.[1][2][3]
Born in Celaya, Guanajuato, Suárez Inda was inspired by the Saint Ignatius of Loyola. In 2025, at age 86, he was ineligible for the papal conclave due to the age limit of 80, continuing to advise Mexico’s bishops on social justice.[4][5]
Biography
Birth and early life
Alberto Suárez Inda was born on January 30, 1939 in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico, to a Catholic family.[1] His devotion to Ignatian spirituality led him to the priesthood. He entered the Morelia seminary in 1952, drawn to social justice.[6]
Growing up in post-revolutionary Mexico, Suárez Inda developed a moderate approach, addressing violence and poverty. His early parish work focused on community reconciliation.[5]
Education
Suárez Inda studied philosophy and theology at the Morelia seminary, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1964. He obtained a licentiate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1967), focusing on pastoral ministry.[1][6] His studies emphasized Vatican II’s social teachings.[5]
His Roman education connected him with Latin American bishops, preparing him for leadership. He mastered Spanish and Italian.[1]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on 8 August 1964 by Archbishop Luis María Altamirano y Bulnes for the Diocese of Morelia, Suárez Inda served as a parish priest and seminary professor.[1][2] He was vicar general of Morelia (1975–1985), focusing on youth ministry.[6]
His priesthood addressed Mexico’s social challenges, advocating dialogue amid drug violence. His pastoral leadership earned him episcopal appointments.[5]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Tacámbaro on 5 November 1985 by Pope John Paul II, Suárez Inda was consecrated on 20 December 1985 by Archbishop Girolamo Prigione.[2] He served as Archbishop of Morelia (1995–2016). Elevated to cardinal-priest of San Policarpo on 14 February 2015 by Pope Francis, he retired in 2016.[1][3]
In 2025, at age 86, Suárez Inda was ineligible for the conclave, focusing on mentoring clergy and promoting peace in Mexico.[4]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacámbaro | Bishop | 5 November 1985 | 20 January 1995 | Appointed by Pope John Paul II |
| Morelia | Archbishop | 20 January 1995 | 5 November 2016 | Appointed by Pope John Paul II; retired |
Significant events
- Entered the Morelia seminary in 1952.[1]
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Morelia by Archbishop Luis María Altamirano y Bulnes on 8 August 1964.[1]
- Appointed Bishop of Tacámbaro on 5 November 1985, consecrated on 20 December 1985.[2]
- Appointed Archbishop of Morelia on 20 January 1995.[1]
- Created cardinal-priest of San Policarpo by Pope Francis on 14 February 2015.[1]
- Retired as Archbishop of Morelia on 5 November 2016.[3]
- Ineligible for the 2025 papal conclave due to age.[4]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically dedicated to Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda have been identified as of May 2025.
Written by the bishop
- No known books authored by Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda have been identified as of May 2025.
External links
- Alberto Cardinal Suárez Inda, Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- SUÁREZ INDA Card. Alberto, Vatican Press Office
- Cardinal Suárez Inda’s legacy in Mexico, Mexican Episcopal Conference
- Cardinal Suárez Inda retires as Archbishop of Morelia, Catholic News Agency
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 "SUÁREZ INDA Card. Alberto". 2015-02-14. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_suarez-inda.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Alberto Cardinal Suárez Inda". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bsuarezi.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Cardinal Suárez Inda retires as Archbishop of Morelia". 2016-11-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260678/cardinal-suarez-inda-retires-as-archbishop-of-morelia.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Who can vote in a papal conclave?". 2025-04-20. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260678/who-can-vote-in-a-papal-conclave.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Cardinal Suárez Inda’s legacy in Mexico". 2016-11-05. https://www.cem.org.mx/cardinal-suarez-inda-legacy.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Alberto Suárez Inda". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55590/alberto-suarez-inda.