Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela celebrates 50 years as a bishop

Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela celebrates his golden jubilee as a bishop with a Mass at the Almudena Cathedral on Saturday, October 31. He served as bishop in Santiago de Compostela and Madrid, and held two terms as president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference.

In an interview with Alfa y Omega, the cardinal reflected on his ministry and his formation at the Colegio Mayor San Carlos Borromeo in Salamanca. He stated that he does not claim pride in his career but instead wishes he had responded with greater devotion to the Lord throughout his years of service. He noted that during his time as a seminarian and through the Council, clergy were encouraged to aspire to holiness.