Archdiocese of Cartagena

Monsignor Francisco Javier Múnera Correa was born in Copacabana (Antioquia) on October 21, 1956. After entering the Major Seminary of the Consolata Missionaries, he completed his philosophical studies at the Archdiocesan Seminary of Bogotá and his theological studies at the Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogotá. Later, as a priest, he obtained a Licentiate in Missiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He made his perpetual profession in his Institute on December 25, 1981, and was ordained a priest on August 8, 1982, in La Ceja (Antioquia), becoming incardinated in the Consolata Missionaries Institute. The main positions he has held during his ministry include: Vice-Rector of the Consolata Missionaries International Seminary in Bravetta, Rome (1983–1986); Parochial Vicar and later Parish Priest in Loyangallani, Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya (1988–1992); and Rector of the Consolata Missionaries International Seminary in Bogotá from 1993, while simultaneously serving as Vice-Regional Superior of the IMC in Colombia from June 1996 to 1998. On November 28, 1998, the Holy Father John Paul II appointed him Titular Bishop of Acque Nouve di Numidia and Apostolic Vicar of San Vicente-Puerto Leguízamo. He received his episcopal ordination on February 11, 1999, at the Cathedral of Bogotá. On May 30, 2019, when the Apostolic Vicariate of San Vicente del Caguán was elevated to a diocese, Monsignor Múnera was appointed the first bishop of this particular Church. He took possession of the new diocese on August 10 of that same year. On March 25, 2021, Pope Francis appointed him Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cartagena, and he took possession of the see on May 22, 2021.