Marcos de Torres y Rueda facts for kids
Marcos de Torres y Rueda was an important leader in New Spain (which is now Mexico). He was born in Spain in 1591. He served as the bishop of Yucatan and also as the temporary viceroy of New Spain. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a colony in the name of the king of Spain. Marcos de Torres y Rueda was in charge from May 13, 1648, to April 22, 1649.
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Early Life and Education in Spain
Marcos de Torres y Rueda was born in a town called Almazán in Spain. He was a very good student. He went to the University of Alcalá de Henares, which was a famous university. He earned a degree in arts. After that, he became a professor of theology at two universities: Alcalá and Valladolid. He also worked at the cathedral in Burgos. In 1645, King Philip IV of Spain chose him to become the bishop of Yucatan. The Pope, Pope Innocent X, officially approved this choice.
Journey to the New World
Marcos de Torres y Rueda traveled to New Spain in 1646. He was made a bishop in a city called Puebla. On November 9, 1646, he officially started his job as bishop. Just a few months later, in July 1647, King Philip IV gave him an even bigger job. The King named him the temporary viceroy and president of the Audiencia. The Audiencia was like a high court that helped govern the colony.
He arrived in Mexico City on May 13, 1648, to begin his new duties. He left the church matters in Yucatan to other church leaders. The viceroy who was leaving, García Sarmiento de Sotomayor, 2nd Count of Salvatierra, did not want to give up his power easily. The King in Spain had to step in to make sure the change happened smoothly.
Time as Viceroy
Marcos de Torres y Rueda was the leader of New Spain for less than a year. During his time, an important public event happened in Mexico City. This event was a public punishment for people accused of not following the official religion. Many people were punished, and some were even put to death. One person was accused of speaking badly about the Inquisition, the King, and the Pope. Another person was accused of giving special seats to Jewish people at a play. Viceroy Torres y Rueda was very sick at this time and could not attend the event.
A few days before he died, a group of Tarahumara Native Americans started a revolt in northern New Spain. Torres y Rueda was too ill to handle this problem. So, it was left for the next viceroy to solve.
Marcos de Torres y Rueda died on April 22, 1649, in Mexico City. He was buried in a church there. After he died, the Audiencia (the high court) took over the government. They waited for the new viceroy to arrive.
Even though he acted as viceroy, his official title was actually "governor." He was not given all the powers that a full viceroy would have. This meant he could not easily appoint new officials or remove old ones. This made it harder for him to make big changes.
Images for kids
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Marcos de Torres y Rueda, interim Viceroy of New Spain
See also
In Spanish: Marcos de Torres y Rueda para niños
