Juan Asenjo Pelegrina

Who is Juan Asenjo Pelegrina?

Juan José Asenjo Pelegrina is the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Seville, since his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI on 5 November 2009.

He went into the seminary studying theology and philosophy. He was ordained a priest on 21 September 1969. In 1971 he received a licentiate in theology at the Theological Faculty of Burgos. From 1977 to 1979 he attended courses for a doctorate in Church history at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He also holds the Diploma in Archives and Library Science at the Vatican Library and archiving the Vatican Secret Archives.

He served as professor of ecclesiology and history of the Church in his home diocese at the Sigüenza seminary from 1971-1974. He also held the positions of vice-rector of the seminary, director of the university residence "Ntra. Sra. De la Estrella" on Sigüenza, director of the diocesan archive, diocesan director for education, Canon in charge of the artistic heritage, diocesan director for cultural heritage 1985-1993, vice rector the sanctuary of "Nuestra Señora de la Salud" of Barbatona. From 1993 to 1997 he held the office of Under Secretary of the Episcopal Conference. In 1986 he founded and directed the magazine Abside and is the author of several publications.