Archbishop of Antofagasta
Msgr. Ignacio Ducasse Medina was born on November 8, 1956, in Puente Alto. The son of Ignacio and Aída, he is the third of four siblings. He completed his secondary education at the "Las Nieves" Industrial School in Puente Alto. Subsequently, he entered the State Technical University, where he studied Applied Engineering. He trained for the priesthood at the Pontifical Major Seminary of Santiago and was ordained a priest by Cardinal Juan Francisco Fresno on March 24, 1984. He holds a Licentiate degree in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He also completed a diploma program in the Law and Theology of Religious Life. His priestly ministry has always been closely linked to formation and teaching. From his early years as a priest, he served at the Pontifical Major Seminary of Santiago—first as a professor and formator, then as prefect of the Propaedeutic Course, and from 1994 to 2002, as rector. Concurrently, he held other roles, such as Canon of the Metropolitan Chapter, Judge of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal, and member of the Archdiocesan and National Liturgy Commissions. Between 1989 and 1993, he also served as chaplain of the Our Lady of Montserrat Parish. Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Valdivia on May 31, 2002. His episcopal ordination took place on July 13, 2002. As a bishop, he has held various positions within the Episcopal Conference of Chile: President of the Area for Evangelizing Agents (2004–2011), President of the Episcopal Commission for Canon Law (2007–present), Interim Secretary General (June–November 2011), and Secretary General (November 2011–2014). He is currently the President of the National Commission for Higher Education Pastoral Care and the National Commission for Vocations. Since 2012, he has also been a member of the Department of Vocations and Ministries of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM). On June 8, 2017, Pope Francis appointed him Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Antofagasta.