Bishop Neri Menor Vargas

He was born on May 30, 1960, in Pacopampa, Cajamarca. As a young man, he discovered his religious vocation, which led him to join the Order of Friars Minor. He professed his religious vows in 1998 and was ordained a priest on March 20, 2000. He also studied Philosophy and Theology at the Juan XXIII Higher Institute of Theological Studies in Lima. In his pastoral ministry, he has served, among other roles, as Guardian of the Fraternity and parish priest, Provincial Definitor, Secretary for Formation and Studies, and Master of Franciscan students in Lima and Cusco. He has also served as a Vicar Forane and a member of the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of Arequipa, and was serving as Provincial Minister of the Franciscan Province of the Twelve Apostles of Peru. On May 12, 2016, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Huánuco. He received episcopal consecration and took office on July 17. At the 111th Plenary Assembly held from March 5 to 9, 2018, he was elected President of the Episcopal Commission for Catechesis and Biblical Pastoral Care for the three-year term spanning March 2018 to January 2021.