Iquitos, Peru – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father César Luis Caro Puértolas as the Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of San José del Amazonas, succeeding Monsignor José Javier Travieso Martín, who has resigned due to health reasons. The appointment, confirmed by the Apostolic Nunciature in Peru, ensures continued pastoral care within this vast and challenging territory of the Peruvian Amazon.
The role of Apostolic Administrator is entrusted by the Holy See in specific circumstances to guarantee the ongoing governance and pastoral accompaniment of an ecclesiastical jurisdiction. In this capacity, Father Caro will coordinate the Vicariate on behalf of the Pope, exercising the duties and powers of an ordinary bishop, albeit with limitations established by canon law. A key principle guiding this transitional period is the directive to maintain the status quo – “nothing should be innovated” – emphasizing continuity in pastoral work.
The Apostolic Vicariate of San José del Amazonas covers approximately 150,000 square kilometers within the Loreto region, a predominantly indigenous and rural area. It operates across a network of eleven parishes distributed along the region’s extensive river systems and deep within the jungle, presenting significant logistical and pastoral challenges. The Vicariate serves as the Pope’s direct representation in a region not yet elevated to the status of a diocese, reflecting its missionary character.
Father Caro’s appointment comes after more than a decade of service in the region by Monsignor Travieso Martín, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Leo XIV on . The change in leadership occurs as the Church continues to navigate the complexities of ministering to diverse cultural realities within the Amazon basin.
Born in Mérida, Spain, in , Father Caro was ordained a priest in and incardinated into the Archdiocese of Mérida-Badajoz. He initially served as a parish priest in rural communities within his home diocese, earning a reputation as a dedicated “cura de pueblo” – a priest of the people. His missionary aspirations led him to Peru in , where he initially served in the Diocese of Chachapoyas.
His engagement with the Amazon region began in , when he was assigned to the mission post of Islandia, located on the banks of the Yavarí River. In , he was appointed Vicar General and relocated to Indiana, where he also served as parish priest. Since , he has resided in Punchana–Iquitos, the administrative seat of the Vicariate.
The appointment has been welcomed by the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Conference (CEAMA), which views it as a sign of pastoral continuity, missionary proximity, and a deep understanding of the Amazonian territory. CEAMA expressed confidence in Father Caro’s ability to continue the work of evangelization, care for life, and attentive listening to the Amazonian peoples, calling for prayers for his new service.
The Argentine Church’s ongoing missionary contribution to the Peruvian Amazon, specifically through support for the parish of San Juan Bautista in the Kimbiri district, part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Maldonado, highlights the broader collaborative efforts within the region. Bishop David Martínez de Aguirre Guinea, the Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Maldonado, supports this initiative, which aims to renew the missionary spirit and strengthen local communities. This project, initiated in , underscores the interconnectedness of missionary work across national boundaries within the Amazon basin.
The transition in leadership within the Apostolic Vicariate of San José del Amazonas occurs against a backdrop of increasing attention to the challenges and opportunities facing the Amazon region. The area’s vastness, remote communities, and unique cultural diversity require a dedicated and adaptable pastoral approach. The appointment of Father Caro reflects a commitment to maintaining that approach and continuing the Church’s mission of service and evangelization in this vital region of South America.
Pope Leo XIV’s broader record includes a period as Apostolic Administrator of Callao, Peru, beginning in , and his appointment to the Congregation for Bishops in . His papacy has been marked by a focus on pastoral care and engagement with global challenges.
