Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop of Quito | |
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Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga in 2014
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| Province | Quito |
| Diocese | Archdiocese of Quito |
| See | Cathedral of Quito |
| Enthroned | 21 March 2003 |
| Reign ended | 11 September 2010 |
| Predecessor | Antonio José González Zumárraga |
| Successor | Fausto Trávez Trávez |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria in Via |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 28 July 1957 |
| Consecration | 21 May 1972 by Pablo Muñoz Vega |
| Created Cardinal | 20 November 2010 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 January 1934 Riobamba, Ecuador |
| Died | 15 November 2020 (aged 86) Quito, Ecuador |
| Nationality | Ecuadorian |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
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| Coat of arms |  |
Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga (born January 1, 1934 – died November 15, 2020) was an important leader in the Catholic Church from Ecuador. He served as the Archbishop of Quito from 2003 to 2010. An archbishop is a very senior bishop who leads a large area called an archdiocese.
Before becoming an archbishop, he was a bishop in different parts of Ecuador. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI made him a Cardinal. A cardinal is a high-ranking official in the Catholic Church, chosen by the Pope. Cardinals help the Pope and can vote for a new Pope.
Early Life and Becoming a Priest
Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga was born in Riobamba, Ecuador, on January 1, 1934. He was one of nine children in his family. He went to a Salesian high school in his hometown.
In 1951, he began studying to become a priest. He attended a seminary in Quito, where he studied theology and philosophy. On July 28, 1957, he was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Riobamba. After becoming a priest, he worked as the director of Caritas for his diocese. Caritas is a Catholic organization that helps people in need. From 1968 to 1970, he worked for the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference. This is a group of bishops in Ecuador. He later became its secretary general.
Serving as a Bishop
On April 20, 1972, Pope Paul VI appointed him as a bishop. He became an Auxiliary Bishop of Guayaquil. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a large area. He was officially made a bishop on May 21, 1972. During this time, he worked with the Christian Family Movement. This group supports families in their faith.
On April 29, 1975, Pope Paul VI made him the Bishop of Azogues. In February 1979, he represented Ecuador's bishops at a big meeting in Latin America. From 1981 to 1988, he was also a member of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM). This council helps coordinate Catholic Church activities in Latin America.
On July 8, 1989, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Military Ordinary of Ecuador. This means he was the bishop responsible for the spiritual care of people in the military.
Archbishop and Cardinal
On March 21, 2003, Pope John Paul II appointed him the Archbishop of Quito. This was a very important role. As Archbishop, he focused on improving education and training for new priests.
Pope Benedict XVI accepted his retirement as Archbishop of Quito on September 11, 2010.
Later that year, on November 20, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI made him a Cardinal. This is one of the highest ranks in the Catholic Church. He became the Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria in Via.
Cardinal Vela Chiriboga took part in the papal conclave of 2013. This was the special meeting where cardinals voted to choose a new Pope. In this conclave, Pope Francis was elected.
Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga passed away on November 15, 2020, in Quito, Ecuador.
See also
In Spanish: Raúl Vela Chiriboga para niños
