Juan José Omella Omella
Stored: Juan José Omella Omella
| His Eminence Juan José Omella Omella | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Barcelona | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Zaragoza |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 20 September 1970 by Archbishop Pedro Cantero Cuadrado |
| Consecration: | 15 October 1996 by Archbishop Elías Yanes Álvarez |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 28 June 2017 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Juan José Omella Omella 21 April 1946 Cretas, Teruel, Spain |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Spanish |
| Education: | University of Zaragoza, Catholic University of Leuven, Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Fidelis Evangelium" (Faithful to the Gospel) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Juan José Omella Omella (born 21 April 1946) is a Spanish Catholic prelate and cardinal who has served as Archbishop of Barcelona since 2015. A close ally of Pope Francis, who elevated him to cardinal in 2017 and appointed him to the Council of Cardinals (C-9) in 2023, Omella is noted for his progressive stance, advocating dialogue with Spain’s secular government and supporting Francis’ reforms on inclusivity and synodality. As president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (2020–2024), he promoted social justice and ecumenism but faced criticism for his handling of clerical abuse cases, with some accusing him of inadequate transparency. At 79, he remains a key figure in the 2025 papal conclave, seen as a potential "kingmaker" due to his influence among cardinals, though his age and controversies dim his prospects as a papabile.[1][2][3][4][5]
Ordained a priest in 1970, Omella served in rural Spanish parishes and as a missionary in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) before rising through episcopal ranks, including as Bishop of Barbastro-Monzón (1999–2004) and Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño (2004–2015). Appointed Archbishop of Barcelona by Pope Francis, he has championed initiatives like the canonization of Antoni Gaudí and interfaith dialogue. In April 2025, Omella participated in the papal conclave preparations following Pope Francis’ death, emphasizing a pope who is “neither progressive nor retrograde, but faithful to the Gospel.” Despite dismissing his own candidacy, citing his limitations, his diplomatic skills and alignment with Francis’ vision position him as a significant voice in shaping the Church’s future.[1][3][6][5]
Biography
Birth and early life
Juan José Omella Omella was born on April 21, 1946, in Cretas, a small village in the Matarraña region of Teruel, Spain, to José Omella and Josefa Omella. Raised in a devout Catholic family in rural Aragon, he grew up in a close-knit community where faith and tradition were central. His early life was shaped by the post-Civil War challenges of rural Spain, fostering a resilience and pastoral sensitivity that later defined his ministry. Omella’s vocation emerged in his youth, inspired by local priests and the Church’s role in supporting impoverished communities.[1][7][8]
Educated at the local school in Cretas, Omella entered the Seminary of Zaragoza at a young age, where his academic aptitude and spiritual commitment were evident. His brief experience as a farmworker before seminary deepened his empathy for the marginalized, a theme that persisted in his episcopal work. His early exposure to Aragon’s religious heritage, including frequent visits to Cretas for Mass even as a cardinal, reflects his strong ties to his roots.[7][8]
Education
Omella began his priestly formation at the Diocesan Seminary of Zaragoza, studying philosophy and theology. He later attended the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, earning a licentiate in philosophy, and pursued further theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, obtaining a licentiate in theology. His education in Leuven and Rome exposed him to diverse theological currents, shaping his progressive yet pastoral approach.[1][2][7]
His academic training was complemented by practical ministry, including a year as a missionary in Zaire (1970–1971), where he worked in rural parishes. This experience broadened his global perspective and reinforced his commitment to social justice. Omella’s fluency in multiple languages, including French and Italian, enhanced his later diplomatic roles within the Vatican.[1][9]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on September 20, 1970, by Archbishop Pedro Cantero Cuadrado for the Diocese of Zaragoza, Ombella served in rural parishes, including Cretas and nearby villages. His year as a missionary in Zaire (1970–1971) under the Diocese of Zaragoza deepened his focus on serving the poor. Returning to Spain, he held roles as a parish priest, diocesan youth chaplain, and episcopal vicar, earning a reputation for pastoral warmth and administrative skill.[1][7][9]
Omella’s priesthood was marked by a commitment to dialogue and community engagement. He fostered youth ministries and collaborated with local organizations, reflecting his belief in the Church’s social mission. His appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Zaragoza in 1996 signaled his rising prominence, built on decades of grassroots ministry and a progressive vision aligned with post-Vatican II reforms.[2][1]
Bishop
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Zaragoza and Titular Bishop of Sasabe on July 16, 1996, by Pope John Paul II, Omella was consecrated on October 15, 1996, by Archbishop Elías Yanes Álvarez. He served as Bishop of Barbastro-Monzón (1999–2004), also acting as Apostolic Administrator of Huesca and Jaca (2001–2003). In 2004, he became Bishop of Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño, and in 2015, Pope Francis named him Archbishop of Barcelona, where he was installed on December 26, 2015.[1][7]
Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on June 28, 2017, Omella received the titular church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. As president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (2020–2024), he advocated for dialogue with Spain’s government and supported Gaudí’s canonization. His handling of abuse cases drew scrutiny, notably a 2022 case reported by El País.[10] In 2025, he joined the papal conclave, emphasizing a pope faithful to the Gospel.[3][5]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Zaragoza | Auxiliary Bishop | 16 July 1996 | 27 October 1999 | Titular Bishop of Sasabe |
| Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón | Bishop | 27 October 1999 | 8 April 2004 | Apostolic Administrator of Huesca and Jaca, 2001–2003 |
| Diocese of Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño | Bishop | 8 April 2004 | 6 November 2015 | Strengthened pastoral programs |
| Archdiocese of Barcelona | Archbishop | 6 November 2015 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2017 |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Zaragoza in 1970.[2]
- Served as missionary in Zaire, 1970–1971.[1]
- Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Zaragoza in 1996.[1]
- Became Bishop of Barbastro-Monzón in 1999.[7]
- Named Bishop of Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño in 2004.[7]
- Appointed Archbishop of Barcelona in 2015.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2017.[1]
- Elected President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, 2020–2024.[1]
- Appointed to Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals (C-9) in 2023.[11]
- Criticized for handling of a 2022 clerical abuse case.[10]
- Participated in the 2025 papal conclave preparations, noted as a potential “kingmaker.”[4][5]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Omella were identified in the provided sources. General references include:
* Books on Spanish Church History (potential sources for contextual information).
Written by the bishop
- No books authored by Cardinal Omella were identified in the provided sources. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Barcelona, 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 "Juan José Omella". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Jos%C3%A9_Omella.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Cardinal Juan José Omella Omella". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_omella_jj.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Juan José Omella en Herrera en COPE". COPE. 2025-04-25. https://www.cope.es/programas/herrera-en-cope/noticias/omella-cuenta-carlos-herrera-como-tiene-que-ser-perfil-del-proximo-papa-progre-retrogrado-tenemos-que-buscar-fidelidad-evangelio-20250425_151613.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Omella, el hacedor de Papas". ABC. 2025-04-23. https://www.abc.es/opinion/omella-hacedor-papas-20250423014302-nt.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ "Juan José Omella se descarta para ser el próximo papa". La Sexta. 2025-04-21. https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/internacional/cardenal-juan-jose-omella-descarta-ser-proximo-papa-soy-cardenal-mas-limitado_202504216626e3a7b2a4c40001eabf08.html.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 "Quién es Juan José Omella, cardenal arzobispo de Barcelona". Religión Digital. 2025-04-20. https://www.religiondigital.org/espana/Juan-Jose-Omella-cardenal-arzobispo-Barcelona_0_2693730622.html.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Juan José Omella: el cardenal aragonés que podría convertirse en Papa". La Comarca. 2025-04-21. https://www.lacomarca.net/juan-jose-omella-cardenal-aragones-podria-convertirse-papa/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Juan José Omella, un improbable 'papable' español". El Periódico. 2025-04-22. https://www.elperiodico.com/es/sociedad/20250422/juan-jose-omella-improbable-papable-espanol-101278209.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "El cardenal Omella tuvo conocimiento en 2022 de una queja". InfoVaticana. 2024-12-02. https://infovaticana.com/el-cardenal-omella-tuvo-conocimiento-en-2022-de-una-queja-contra-el-sacerdote-detenido/.
- ↑ "Quién es Juan José Omella, el Arzobispo español que podría ser el nuevo papa". Infobae. 2025-04-21. https://www.infobae.com/espana/2025/04/21/quien-es-juan-jose-omella-el-arzobispo-espanol-que-podria-ser-el-nuevo-papa/.