Colombia: Pope Francis appoints the new Bishop of Palmira

The Vatican reported this May 31 that Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Rodrigo Gallego Trujillo, a priest with extensive experience in the formation of seminarians and who served as vicar general of the Diocese of Buga, as the new Bishop of Palmira (Colombia).

The bishop-elect will replace Bishop Edgar de Jesús García Gil, who led the Diocese of Palmira since July 31, 2010.

However, having reached the age of 75 two years ago, the limit for holding the position, Bishop García Gil had presented his resignation to the Holy Father “and was awaiting the new appointment,” reports a published note. on the website of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia (CEC).

The CEC also highlights that Father Rodrigo Gallego has had in a special way “extensive experience in the formation of seminarians, in priestly pastoral care and in the development of various offices in the administrative pastoral care of the Diocese of Buga.”

In a video published on the Facebook account by the Diocese of Palmira, Father Gallego sent his greetings to the clergy, religious and laity of his new pastoral destination, and thanked the work carried out by his predecessor, Bishop García Gil.

“May the Lord allow us to do this part of the journey in the best way. I go with joy, I have accepted this appointment that by the mercy of God the Holy Father has made me,” said the bishop-elect.

Who is Father Rodrigo Gallego Trujillo?

Father Rodrigo Gallego Trujillo, bishop-elect of Palmira, was born on March 13, 1974 in Seville, department of Valle del Cauca. He was ordained a priest on December 5, 1998, incardinating himself in the Diocese of Buga.

He studied Philosophy and Theology at the John Paul II Major Seminary of the Diocese of Armenia. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Pontifical Javeriana University of Bogotá, a bachelor’s degree in Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and a doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical Bolivarian University of Medellín.

He has served as a trainer, teacher and rector of the Twelve Apostles Major Seminary of the Diocese of Buga and as parochial vicar of San Juan Bautista in Guacarí.

He has also been parochial vicar and parish priest at the San Pedro de Buga Cathedral, vicar of Economy, as well as vicar general and member of the Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultants of the Diocese of Buga.