Gerónimo Castillón y Salas facts for kids
Gerónimo Castillón y Salas (1756–1835) was an important Spanish bishop. He was also the very last person to hold the powerful title of Grand Inquisitor in Spain.
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About Gerónimo Castillón y Salas
Gerónimo Castillón y Salas was born on September 30, 1756. His hometown was Lascellas-Ponzano in Spain. He was the second son in his family. His parents were José Castillón y Campo and Brígida Salas.
His Early Education
Gerónimo went to school at the University of Huesca. He studied very hard there. On May 15, 1776, he earned a degree in law. Later, on September 9, 1779, he received another degree in theology. Theology is the study of religious faith.
Becoming a Priest
After finishing his studies, Gerónimo became a priest. This is called being ordained. He first worked as a priest in a town called Monzón. Then, in 1795, he became the priest in his own hometown of Ponzano. From 1808 to 1815, he was a schoolmaster. He taught at the Huesca Cathedral.
A Bishop and the Last Grand Inquisitor
In 1815, Gerónimo Castillón y Salas became the Bishop of Tarazona. This was a very important religious position.
Three years later, in 1818, he was given an even more significant role. He became the Grand Inquisitor of Spain. This meant he was the head of the Spanish Inquisition. The Spanish Inquisition was a special court. It was set up by the Catholic Church in Spain. Its job was to make sure people followed Catholic beliefs. Gerónimo was the last person to lead this court. The Spanish Inquisition was officially ended in 1820.
Before Gerónimo took the job, King Fernando VII had asked someone else. He asked his own priest, Cristóbal Bencomo y Rodríguez, to be the Grand Inquisitor. But Cristóbal, who was from the Canary Islands, said no.
His Later Life and Death
Gerónimo Castillón y Salas continued his work as a bishop. He passed away in the city of Tarazona in 1835.
See also
In Spanish: Jerónimo Castillón y Salas para niños
