Bishop of Garagoa
Monsignor Julio Hernando García Peláez was born in the municipality of Anserma (Caldas) on July 26, 1958. He completed both his primary and secondary education at schools in his hometown. In 1978, he entered the Major Seminary of Manizales, where he completed his first year of philosophy studies. Following the founding of the Major Seminary of Pereira in 1979, he transferred to this new center for priestly formation; there, he finished his philosophy studies and completed two years of theology. Subsequently, he was sent to Rome to complete his theology studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Upon finishing those studies, he pursued a Licentiate degree in Patristic Theology. After his ordination as a priest, he undertook specialized studies in Human Rights at the University of Quindío. He was ordained a priest in Rome by His Holiness John Paul II on June 2, 1985, and was incardinated into the Diocese of Pereira. During his nearly twenty years of priestly ministry, he held the following positions: Chancellor of the Diocese of Pereira and Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral (1986–1992); Rector of the María Inmaculada Major Seminary of the Diocese of Pereira (1992–2001); and Vicar for Pastoral Care of the Diocese (2002–2003). He also served as a professor at the Universidad Católica Popular de Risaralda, as well as Delegate for University Pastoral Care (1989) and Delegate for Pastoral Care for the Elderly (1992). On February 11, 2005, His Holiness John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cali; he received his episcopal ordination in Pereira on April 2, 2005. On June 5, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Istmina-Tadó. He took canonical possession of this see on July 24, 2010. On June 15, 2017, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Garagoa; he took canonical possession of this see on July 8 of the same year.