Carlos Osoro Sierra
Stored: Carlos Osoro Sierra
| His Eminence Carlos Osoro Sierra | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Madrid (Emeritus) | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Santander |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Ourense |
| Other diocese 2: | Archdiocese of Oviedo |
| Other diocese 3: | Archdiocese of Valencia |
| Ordination: | 29 July 1973 by Archbishop Pedro Cantero Cuadrado |
| Consecration: | 22 February 1997 by Archbishop Julián Barrio Barrio |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 19 November 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Carlos Osoro Sierra 16 May 1945 Castañeda, Cantabria, Spain |
| Died: | |
| 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 |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra, born May 16, 1945, 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.[1][2][3][4][5]
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.[1][6][7][3][5]
Biography
Birth and early life
Carlos Osoro Sierra was born on May 16, 1945, in Castañeda, Cantabria, Spain, to a devout Catholic family in a rural, northern Spanish community. Growing up in post-Civil War Spain, his faith was shaped by his parents’ commitment and the local parish, fostering a vocation rooted in service. His early life was marked by the Church’s central role in Cantabrian society, influencing his later emphasis on pastoral closeness.[1][2][7]
Educated at the local school in Castañeda, Osoro Sierra showed academic promise and entered the seminary at 14, inspired by the Church’s mission in a recovering Spain. His rural roots and exposure to social challenges, including poverty, informed his dialogical and inclusive approach as a bishop.[1][8]
Education
Osoro Sierra studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, earning a licentiate in theology. He also pursued studies in pedagogy at the University of Salamanca, obtaining a degree in education, and briefly taught mathematics in Santander. His academic formation included pastoral training at the Diocesan Seminary of Santander.[1][2][9]
His education blended intellectual rigor with practical ministry, preparing him for roles in Catholic education and clergy formation. Fluent in Spanish and with working knowledge of Italian, Osoro Sierra’s studies emphasized the Eucharist and liturgy, central to his later pastoral vision.[2][10]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on July 29, 1973, by Archbishop Pedro Cantero Cuadrado for the Diocese of Santander, Osoro Sierra served as a parish priest, diocesan youth chaplain, and rector of the Diocesan Seminary of Santander (1976–1996). He also directed the diocesan vocations center and taught at the Institute of Religious Sciences.[1][2][9]
His priesthood focused on youth ministry, education, and clergy formation, addressing Spain’s post-Franco secularization. As vicar general of Santander (1988–1996), he strengthened diocesan structures, earning a reputation for pastoral engagement and administrative skill, leading to his episcopal appointment in 1997.[1][8]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Ourense on December 27, 1996, by Pope John Paul II, Osoro Sierra was consecrated on February 22, 1997, by Archbishop Julián Barrio Barrio. He served as Archbishop of Oviedo (2002–2009) and Valencia (2009–2014) before being named Archbishop of Madrid in 2014 by Pope Francis. Elevated to cardinal in 2016, he received the titular church of Santa Maria in Trastevere.[1][9]
As Archbishop, Osoro Sierra promoted interreligious dialogue, youth ministry, and Catholic education, earning the 2023 Premi Sant Maure for his work with Valencia’s youth. Retired in 2023, he joined the C9 and participates in the 2025 conclave, advocating for Francis’ direction and Church unity.[3][4][11][5]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Ourense | Bishop | 27 December 1996 | 7 January 2002 | Strengthened clergy formation |
| Archdiocese of Oviedo | Archbishop | 7 January 2002 | 8 January 2009 | Promoted pastoral outreach |
| Archdiocese of Valencia | Archbishop | 8 January 2009 | 28 August 2014 | Enhanced youth ministry |
| Archdiocese of Madrid | Archbishop | 28 August 2014 | 12 June 2023 | Elevated to cardinal in 2016, led interreligious dialogue |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Santander in 1973.[2]
- Appointed Bishop of Ourense in 1996.[1]
- Named Archbishop of Oviedo in 2002.[9]
- Appointed Archbishop of Valencia in 2009.[1]
- Named Archbishop of Madrid in 2014.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016.[1]
- Awarded Premi Sant Maure for youth ministry, 2023.[11]
- Appointed to Council of Cardinals (C9) in 2023.[1]
- Honored by Universidad Eclesiástica San Dámaso, October 2023.[12]
- Participated in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, advocating for unity.[3][4][5]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Osoro Sierra were identified.
Written by the bishop
- Hazlo con Amor by Carlos Osoro Sierra (2018, ISBN 978-8428554961)
- Carta a las Familias by Carlos Osoro Sierra (2017, ISBN 978-8491651888)
External links
- Carlos Osoro Sierra
- Biografía del Cardenal Carlos Osoro
- Vatican Biography of Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra
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 Osoro Sierra". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Osoro_Sierra.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_osoro-sierra_c.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "El cardenal Osoro Sierra descarta ser elegido papa". RTVE. 2025-04-23. https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20250423/cardenal-osoro-sierra-descarta-elegido-papa-aboga-mantener-direccion-francisco/1605518.shtml.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "El cardenal Carlos Osoro desvela a Cristina Pardo". Marca. 2025-04-25. https://www.marca.com/tiramillas/actualidad/2025/04/25/cardenal-carlos-osoro-cristina-pardo-situacion-iglesia-muerte-papa-no-oculta-division_1650805.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedxposts - ↑ "Meet the 5 oldest cardinals taking part in the 2025 conclave". Catholic World Report. 2025-04-28. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/04/28/meet-the-5-oldest-cardinals-taking-part-in-the-2025-conclave/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "El cardenal Carlos Osoro (Castañeda, Cantabria)". Cantabria Directa. 2025-04-21. https://www.cantabriadirecta.es/el-cardenal-carlos-osoro-castaneda-cantabria-en-el-listado-de-posible-santo-pontifice/.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Quién es Carlos Osoro". Religión Digital. 2024-05-16. https://www.religiondigital.org/espana/Quien-Carlos-Osoro-cardenal-arzobispo-emerito-Madrid_0_2553944608.html.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Carlos Osoro Sierra". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bosoro.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra". College of Cardinals Report. 2024-11-23. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/cardinal-carlos-osoro-sierra/.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "El cardenal Carlos Osoro, Premi Sant Maure 2023". Archidiócesis de Valencia. 2023-11-09. https://www.archivalencia.org/el-cardenal-carlos-osoro-premi-sant-maure-2023/.
- ↑ "Homenaje al cardenal D. Carlos Osoro Sierra". UESD. 2023-10-16. https://www.sandamaso.es/homenaje-al-cardenal-d-carlos-osoro-sierra/.