Cardinal Pedro Rubiano, Archbishop Emeritus of Bogotá and president of the Episcopate of Colombia on 3 occasions, dies

Cardinal Rubiano’s pastoral life unfolded in a variety of roles, from chaplaincy at the Marco Fidel Suárez Military Aviation School to his service at the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios clinic. His work extended into the fields of teaching and spiritual guidance.

He was named Bishop of Cúcuta in 1971, where he consolidated his reputation as a leader of the Church in his country. This path culminated in his appointment as Archbishop of Bogotá and Primate of Colombia in 1994.

At the heart of his archdiocesan work in Bogotá, the then Bishop Rubiano distinguished himself as the architect of the Archdiocesan Food Bank, a charitable initiative that has touched the lives of millions. His vision was also embodied in the creation of new dioceses and the institution of the “permanent diaconate.”