José Manuel Gallegos Rocafull

Who was José Manuel Gallegos Rocafull?

José Manuel Gallegos Rocafull was a Spanish priest, canon of the Cathedral of Cordoba, theologian and philosopher.

Gallegos studied at the General and Technical Institute of Seville and later at the Theological Seminary. Upon completion of basic academic training, he matriculated to the Seminary of Madrid to continue his religious training, attending the Pontifical University of Toledo where he graduated in theology in 1920. He later earned his doctorate in the Pontificia Universidad de Sevilla.

As chaplain of the Adoration of Madrid, he received a BA in Philosophy and Literature from the Central University. In 1921 he was appointed canon of the Cathedral of Granada, where he promoted, together with the bishopric, a significant undertaking in construction projects and equipment housing.

Residing in the House Conciliar de Madrid, he met the future cardinal, Vicente Enrique y Tarancon, a key figure in the Spanish transition to democracy.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, he resided in Madrid, having recently completed his doctorate in philosophy under the direction of José Ortega y Gasset. As a member of Catholic Action, he remained steadfasly loyal to the government of the Second Republic and quickly began a remarkable work of the legal defense against the rebels.