Bishop of Sincelejo
Monsignor José Clavijo Méndez was born on June 13, 1951, in the municipality of Tocancipá (Cundinamarca, Colombia). He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Valledupar on November 20, 1988. During his priestly ministry, he has held the following positions: Parish Priest at Immaculate Conception in Chimichagua, Cesar (1990–1998); student in Rome (1991–1993); Chancellor of the Diocese and Rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary (1993–1996); Vicar General of the Diocese of Valledupar (1993–1999); Rector of the John Paul II Seminary (1996–1997); Director of the "Holy Spirit" Evangelization Center in Valledupar and subsequently its Parish Priest (1997–2007); Episcopal Delegate for Priestly Ministry in Valledupar (1999–2011); Episcopal Delegate for Catechesis (2003–2012); and Rector of the John Paul II Seminary in Valledupar (2012–2015). Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Sincelejo on February 19, 2015. His episcopal ordination took place on March 14 of that same year, and he formally took office on March 27, 2015.