Diego Ladron de Guevara Catholic Bishop Date of Birth: 01.01.1641 Country: Dive

1. Education and Ecclesiastical Career
2. Presidency and Episcopate
3. Viceroy of Peru
4. Administration as Viceroy
5. Later Life

Education and Ecclesiastical Career

Diego Ladrón de Guevara received his theological education at the University of Alcalá de Henares, later becoming a professor of law. He taught for some time at the University of Sigüenza. In 1689, he was appointed Bishop of Panama, which was then part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. The same year, he was imprisoned by the Governor of Panama due to a disagreement between them.

Presidency and Episcopate

In 1695, Ladrón was appointed President of the Audiencia of Panama, holding this post concurrently with his episcopal duties. In 1699, he was appointed Bishop of Ayacucho, where he founded the University of San Cristóbal de Huamanga and served as its first rector. He became Bishop of Quito in 1703.

Viceroy of Peru

In 1710, Ladrón was appointed Viceroy of Peru, replacing the interim viceroy Miguel Núñez de Sanabria. He received a sealed envelope containing instructions from the previous viceroy, Manuel Oms, to be opened upon the latter's death.

Administration as Viceroy

As Viceroy, Ladrón increased silver production at the Potosí mines and other mines in San Nicolás. He also heavily taxed the production of sugarcane aguardiente, resulting in a significant reduction in its circulation. Despite the Treaty of Utrecht, Ladrón continued to fortify the viceroyalty against privateers. The treaty allowed British trading ships to attend the Portobello Fair. A slave rebellion occurred on a hacienda near Lima during his rule.

Ladrón initiated the reconstruction of Lima's cathedral and the construction of numerous other churches and monasteries. He also established the Chair of Anatomy at the University of San Marcos.

Later Life

In 1716, Ladrón was accused of embezzlement and various irregularities and was dismissed from his post. He traveled to New Spain (present-day Mexico), where he arranged for the transfer of the remains of his ancestor, Diego de Landa, the second Bishop of Yucatán, to Spain. On September 9, 1718, Ladrón passed away in Mexico City and was buried in the city's cathedral.