The prelate of Valladolid obtained 48 votes in the first round
The Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE) has elected Mons. Luis Argüello García, Archbishop of Valladolid, for the four-year period 2024-2028. The prelate has obtained an absolute majority of 48 votes in the first ballot, surpassing the other candidates. He succeeds Cardinal Joan Josep Omella, Archbishop of Barcelona, who has presided over the CEE since 2020.
A president with experience and commitment
Msgr. Argüello was born on May 16, 1953 in Meneses de Campos (Palencia). He graduated in Civil Law from the University of Valladolid, where he also studied ecclesiastical studies. He received priestly ordination in 1986 and exercised his ministry in the Diocese of Valladolid. Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Valladolid in 2016 and consecrated him on June 3 of the same year. In 2022 he was appointed Archbishop of Valladolid and took possession on July 30.
From 2018 to 2022, Mons. Argüello has been general secretary of the EEC. He is currently a member of the Permanent Commission, of the Episcopal Commission for Clergy and Seminaries, and is responsible for the Vocational Pastoral Service. With his election as president of the EEC, Msgr. Argüello takes on the challenge of leading the Spanish Church in a context of social and ecclesial change, with a vision of dialogue and service.