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Antonio Canizares LloveraSpanish Curial Cardinal
Date of Birth: 10.10.1945
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Antonio Cañizares Llovera: A Prominent Figure in the Catholic Church
- Priesthood
- Episcopal Career
- Archbishop of Toledo and Cardinal
- Appointment in the Roman Curia
- Archbishop of Valencia
- Distinctive Characteristics
- Future Prospects
Antonio Cañizares Llovera: A Prominent Figure in the Catholic Church
Early Life and EducationAntonio Cañizares Llovera was born on October 10, 1945, in Utiel, Spain. He pursued his studies at the Minor and Major Seminaries in Valencia and the Pontifical University of Salamanca, where he obtained his doctorate in theology, specializing in catechetics.
Priesthood
Cañizares Llovera was ordained a priest on June 21, 1970, in Sinarcas, Valencia. He served as assistant pastor and delegate for catechesis in the Archdiocese of Valencia.
Episcopal Career
On March 6, 1992, Cañizares Llovera was appointed Bishop of Ávila by Pope John Paul II. He was consecrated on April 25 of the same year. On December 10, 1996, he was named Archbishop of Granada. Additionally, he served as apostolic administrator of Cartagena from January to October 1998 and became president of the Episcopal Commission for Education and Catechesis in 1999.
Archbishop of Toledo and Cardinal
On October 24, 2002, Cañizares Llovera was elevated to the position of Archbishop of Toledo, becoming Primate of the Spanish Church. He was also elected Vice President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference. Pope Benedict XVI created him a Cardinal-Priest with the title of San Pancrazio in a consistory held on March 24, 2006.
Appointment in the Roman Curia
On December 9, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Cardinal Cañizares Llovera as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Archbishop of Valencia
On August 28, 2014, Pope Francis named Cardinal Cañizares Llovera as Archbishop of Valencia.
Distinctive Characteristics
Cañizares Llovera is sometimes known by the nickname "Little Ratzinger," referring to the similarities in beliefs and opinions between him and Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger. The Pope himself has acknowledged and expressed surprise at this expression.
Future Prospects
Cañizares Llovera participated in the 2013 papal conclave and will be eligible to participate in any future papal conclaves until he reaches the age of eighty on October 10, 2025.
