Archbishop of La Serena
Msgr. René Rebolledo Salinas was born on September 22, 1958, in Cunco, part of the then-Apostolic Vicariate of Araucanía. In March 1978, he entered the "San Fidel" Major Seminary in San José de la Mariquina, where he pursued studies in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained a priest on August 25, 1984, by the Apostolic Vicar of Araucanía, Msgr. Sixto Parzinger Foidl, O.F.M. Cap. After pastoral service at the Immaculate Conception parish in Loncoche, he undertook specialized studies in Italy, where he obtained a doctorate in Theology. From 1990 to 2002, he served as an educator and formator, and from 1993 as Rector of the "San Fidel" Major Seminary. From 1994 to 2000, he served two terms as president of the Organization of Chilean Seminaries (OSCHI) and was also a board member of the Latin American Organization of Seminaries (OSLAM). In December 2002, he was appointed Vicar General of the newly created Diocese of Villarrica, and in January 2004, parish priest of the Cathedral. On May 8, 2004, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Osorno. On June 19, he received episcopal ordination at the hands of Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz Ossa, Archbishop of Santiago. Within the Episcopal Conference of Chile, he serves as president of the Ecclesial Area, the Episcopal Commission for Seminaries, and the National Liturgy Commission. On December 14, 2013, the Holy Father Francis appointed him Archbishop of La Serena.