Rodolfo Quezada Toruño facts for kids
Rodolfo Ignacio Quezada Toruño (born March 8, 1932 – died June 4, 2012) was an important leader in the Catholic Church from Guatemala. He became the Archbishop of Guatemala City, which is a very high position. Before that, he was the Bishop of Zacapa y Santo Cristo de Esquipulas from 1980 to 2001. In 2003, he was given the special title of Cardinal.
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Rodolfo Quezada Toruño |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop emeritus of Guatemala City | |
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| See | Guatemala City |
| Enthroned | 15 July 2003 |
| Predecessor | Próspero Penados del Barrio |
| Successor | Oscar Julio Vian Morales, S.D.B. |
| Other posts |
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| Orders | |
| Ordination | 21 September 1956 |
| Consecration | 13 May 1972 |
| Created Cardinal | 21 October 2003 by John Paul II |
| Rank | Cardinal Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 March 1932 Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Died | 4 June 2012 (aged 80) Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Styles of Rodolfo Quezada Toruño |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Guatemala City (emeritus) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Rodolfo Quezada Toruño was the oldest of three children. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. His parents were René Quezada Alejos and Clemencia Toruño Lizarralde.
He studied philosophy at the San José Seminary in El Salvador. Later, he earned a special degree in theology from the University of Innsbruck in Austria in 1959. In 1962, he received a doctorate in church law (Canon Law) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Becoming a Priest and Bishop
Rodolfo Quezada was ordained as a priest on September 21, 1956. This means he officially became a priest in the Catholic Church. He worked in different roles, like being a local priest (parochial vicar) and a leader (rector) in various churches. He also served as a chaplain for the university.
He was the first leader (rector) of the National Major Seminary of the Assumption in Guatemala. In 1968, he was given the title of Chaplain of His Holiness, which is a special honor. He also taught church law and ethics at different universities.
On April 5, 1972, Pope Paul VI chose him to be an Auxiliary Bishop of Zacapa. This means he helped the main bishop. He officially became a bishop on May 13, 1972. Later, he became the Coadjutor Bishop of Zacapa on September 11, 1975. This role meant he would take over as bishop when the current one retired.
He became the Bishop of Zacapa on February 16, 1980. In 1986, his diocese (church area) merged with another, and he became known as the Bishop of Zacapa y Santo Cristo de Esquipulas. He was also the President of the Guatemalan Bishops' Conference twice, from 1988 to 1992 and from 2002 to 2006.
Role in Peace Efforts
Cardinal Quezada Toruño became a national hero in Guatemala. He helped to end the long and difficult civil war that lasted for 36 years. He led two important groups that worked towards peace.
From 1987 to 1993, he led the National Reconciliation Commission. Then, from 1994 to 1996, he led the Assembly of the Civil Society. He also acted as a peacemaker between the government and the rebel groups (guerrillas) from 1990 to 1994. His work was very important in bringing peace to his country. His assistant in the peace process, Bishop Juan Gerardi, was murdered in April 1998.
Becoming a Cardinal
On June 19, 2001, Rodolfo Quezada was promoted to Archbishop of Guatemala City by Pope John Paul II. This was a very important position.
He was then made a Cardinal-Priest on October 21, 2003. Cardinals are special advisors to the Pope. He was one of the cardinals who voted in the 2005 papal election (conclave) that chose Pope Benedict XVI. He also served on important church councils in Rome.
Cardinal Quezada Toruño retired on October 4, 2010. He was then called Archbishop Emeritus of Guatemala City. After he turned 80 on March 8, 1992, he could no longer vote for a new Pope.
Death
Cardinal Quezada Toruño passed away on June 4, 2012. He died in a hospital in Guatemala City due to health problems.
