Bishops and Ordinaries of the Diocese
The leadership of a diocese is entrusted to Ordinaries—the primary bishops responsible for the spiritual and administrative governance of a specific territory. Over the decades, this succession of leadership has seen a variety of dedicated prelates guide the community, often transitioning to other significant roles within the church hierarchy.
Key Facts
- The lineage of Ordinaries spans from 1895 to the present.
- Several bishops served the diocese before being appointed to other sees, such as Cuernavaca, Durango, and Colima.
- The longest tenure was held by Alberto Mendoza y Bedolla, who served for 28 years.
- José Alberto González Juárez is the current Ordinary, beginning his term in 2026.
Chronology of Ordinaries
The history of the diocese is marked by a series of appointments, some of which were brief transitions and others that provided long-term stability. The early years saw leaders like Francisco Plancarte y Navarrete and Rómulo Betancourt y Torres establishing the foundation of the local church.
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As the diocese grew, leaders often moved to higher roles. For example, Francisco de Paula Mendoza y Herrera transitioned to become the Archbishop of Durango, and Vicente Castellanos y Núñez later served as the Bishop of Tulancingo, Hidalgo. The mid-20th century was characterized by the significant leadership of Alberto Mendoza y Bedolla, whose tenure lasted from 1939 to 1967.
Modern Leadership and Transitions
In more recent decades, the diocese has seen a pattern of bishops being appointed to other regions. José Luis Amezcua Melgoza moved to the Bishopric of Colima, and Ramón Castro Castro eventually became the Bishop of Cuernavaca, Morelos. The most recent transition occurred as José Francisco González González was appointed Archbishop of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, leading to the appointment of the current Ordinary.
Summary of Episcopal Succession
| Name | Years of Service | Subsequent Appointment / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco Plancarte y Navarrete | 1895–1898 | Bishop of Cuernavaca, Morelos |
| Rómulo Betancourt y Torres | 1900–1901 | - |
| Francisco de Paula Mendoza y Herrera | 1904–1909 | Archbishop of Durango |
| Jaime de Anasagasti y Llamas | 1909–1910 | - |
| Vicente Castellanos y Núñez | 1912–1921 | Bishop of Tulancingo, Hidalgo |
| Francisco María González y Arias | 1922–1931 | Bishop of Cuernavaca, Morelos |
| Luis Guízar y Barragán | 1931–1938 | Coadjutor Bishop of Saltillo, Coahuila |
| Alberto Mendoza y Bedolla | 1939–1967 | - |
| José de Jesús Garcia Ayala | 1967–1982 | Resigned |
| Héctor González Martínez | 1982–1988 | Coadjutor Archbishop of Antequera, Oaxaca |
| Carlos Suárez Cázares | 1988–1994 | Bishop of Zamora, Michoacán |
| José Luis Amezcua Melgoza | 1995–2005 | Bishop of Colima |
| Ramón Castro Castro | 2006–2013 | Bishop of Cuernavaca, Morelos |
| José Francisco González González | 2013–2025 | Archbishop of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas |
| José Alberto González Juárez | 2026–Present | Current Ordinary |
Auxiliary Leadership
In addition to the Ordinaries, the diocese has utilized Auxiliary Bishops—bishops assigned to assist the Ordinary in the administration of the diocese. A notable example is José de Jesús Garcia Ayala, who served as Auxiliary Bishop from 1963 to 1967 before being appointed as the Ordinary of the diocese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Ordinary of the diocese?
The current Ordinary is José Alberto González Juárez, who began his tenure in 2026.
Who served the longest term as Ordinary?
Alberto Mendoza y Bedolla served the longest term, leading the diocese from 1939 to 1967.
What is the role of an Auxiliary Bishop?
An Auxiliary Bishop is appointed to assist the Ordinary in the pastoral and administrative duties of the diocese.
Did any bishops move from an auxiliary role to an ordinary role?
Yes, José de Jesús Garcia Ayala served as an Auxiliary Bishop from 1963 to 1967 before becoming the Ordinary in 1967.
Which bishops were appointed to the see of Cuernavaca, Morelos?
Francisco Plancarte y Navarrete, Francisco María González y Arias, and Ramón Castro Castro were all appointed as Bishop of Cuernavaca, Morelos after their time in this diocese.