Antonio Cañizares Llovera

Stored: Antonio Cañizares Llovera

His Eminence Antonio Cañizares Llovera
Bishop of College of Cardinals
Home diocese:	Archdiocese of Valencia
Other diocese 1:	Archdiocese of Toledo
Other diocese 2:	Archdiocese of Granada
Other diocese 3:
Ordination:	21 June 1970 by Archbishop José María García Lahiguera
Consecration:	6 March 1992 by Cardinal Marcelo González Martín
Rank:	Cardinal
Created cardinal:	24 March 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI
Personal details
Born:	Antonio Cañizares Llovera 15 October 1945 Utiel, Valencia, Spain
Died:
Nationality:	Spain
Education:	Pontifical University of Salamanca
Motto:	"Fiat voluntas tua"
Role:	Emeritus
Theology:	Conservative
Region:	Western Europe
Rite:	Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility:	Eligible

Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, born (1945-10-15) October 15, 1945, is a Spanish prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his tenure as Archbishop of Valencia (2014–2022), Archbishop of Toledo (2002–2008), and Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (2008–2014). Ordained a priest in 1970 for the Diocese of Valencia and consecrated a bishop in 1992, he was elevated to cardinal in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, participating in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. His conservative theology, reflected in his motto "Fiat voluntas tua" ("Thy will be done"), emphasized liturgical tradition, traditional marriage, and pro-life advocacy, earning him the nickname "Little Ratzinger" for his alignment with Benedict XVI. Despite eligibility for the 2025 papal conclave at age 79 following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, Cañizares withdrew due to health reasons, as announced on X, reducing Spain’s electors to six (Post ID: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Web ID: 20).

Cañizares’ leadership strengthened Spanish Catholicism through his focus on catechesis and liturgical reform, but his outspoken conservatism, including controversial remarks on feminism and homosexuality, drew criticism for insensitivity. His academic background in theology from the Pontifical University of Salamanca and his role as a professor shaped his doctrinal rigor. Never a serious papal contender due to his regional focus and health issues, his legacy endures through his contributions to liturgy and Spanish Church governance. As an emeritus cardinal, his influence in the post-Francis Church is minimal, centered on his historical role and symbolic presence in Valencia, where he remains retired.[](https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-25/whos-who-in-the-conclave-the-133-cardinals-who-will-elect-the-new-pope.html)[](https://x.com/El_Plural/status/1914735308299526587)[](https://x.com/politicaestereo/status/1914702258110959785)

Biography

Birth and early life

Antonio Cañizares Llovera was born on October 15, 1945, in Utiel, Valencia, Spain, to a middle-class Catholic family. Raised in a devout environment during Franco’s Spain, his early exposure to the Church’s role in society sparked a vocation, leading him to enter the Valencia seminary at age 14. His family’s support and the post-war Catholic revival influenced his commitment to priestly service.

Spain’s socio-political context under Franco shaped Cañizares’ conservative outlook. His intellectual aptitude and fluency in Spanish and Latin were evident early, as he engaged in parish catechesis, foreshadowing his focus on liturgy and doctrine.

Education

Cañizares studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, earning a doctorate in theology with a focus on catechetics in 1972. He also pursued studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, specializing in liturgical theology, which informed his later Vatican role.

His education emphasized Vatican II’s liturgical reforms, balanced with a conservative interpretation, equipping him to lead in Spain’s transitioning Church. Cañizares’ academic rigor prepared him for teaching and episcopal roles, blending scholarship with pastoral care.

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on June 21, 1970, by Archbishop José María García Lahiguera for the Diocese of Valencia, Cañizares served as a parish priest and professor of catechetical theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca (1972–1992). He was director of the Spanish Bishops’ Catechetical Institute (1976–1985), shaping national catechesis programs.

His priesthood focused on education and liturgical formation, navigating Spain’s post-Franco democratization. Cañizares’ teaching and administrative skills earned him recognition, leading to his episcopal appointment.

Bishop

Consecrated Bishop of Ávila on March 6, 1992, by Cardinal Marcelo González Martín, Cañizares served until 1996. He was Archbishop of Granada (1996–2002), Archbishop of Toledo and Primate of Spain (2002–2008), Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship (2008–2014), and Archbishop of Valencia (2014–2022). Elevated to cardinal in 2006 with the title Cardinal-Priest of San Pancrazio, he participated in the 2013 conclave.

Cañizares’ conservative stances, including his 2009 remarks on feminism and 2013 defense of traditional marriage, drew criticism, while his liturgical reforms were praised by traditionalists. Retired since 2022, he withdrew from the 2025 conclave due to health issues, as confirmed by X posts, limiting his role to symbolic influence in Spain.

Diocese	Role	Start Date	End Date	Notes
Diocese of Ávila	Bishop	6 March 1992	10 December 1996	Focused on catechesis
Archdiocese of Granada	Archbishop	10 December 1996	24 October 2002	Strengthened Church institutions
Archdiocese of Toledo	Archbishop	24 October 2002	9 December 2008	Primate of Spain
Congregation for Divine Worship	Prefect	9 December 2008	28 August 2014	Led liturgical reforms
Archdiocese of Valencia	Archbishop	28 August 2014	10 October 2022	Emphasized traditional values

Significant events

• Entered Valencia Seminary in 1959.
• Ordained priest for the Diocese of Valencia in 1970.
• Consecrated Bishop of Ávila in 1992.
• Appointed Archbishop of Granada in 1996.
• Appointed Archbishop of Toledo in 2002.
• Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
• Appointed Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship in 2008.
• Appointed Archbishop of Valencia in 2014.
• Participated in the 2013 conclave.
• Retired as Archbishop of Valencia in 2022.
• Withdrew from the 2025 conclave due to health reasons.

Books

Written about the bishop

• No known books specifically about Cardinal Cañizares Llovera.

Written by the bishop

• Catequesis Sobre Cristo by Antonio Cañizares Llovera, ISBN 978-8479142438

External links

• Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
• Biography of Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera at Vatican Press Office
• Vatican News article on Cañizares’ retirement