Ricardo Ezzati Andrello arrived in Chile in 1959 at age 17, eventually ascending to the role of Archbishop of Santiago de Chile. An Italian-born prelate of the Catholic Church, he served in diverse leadership capacities, including a tenure as a cardinal, over a career defined by extensive administrative responsibilities within the ecclesiastical structures of both South America and the Vatican.
Early Career and Education
Born on 7 January 1942 in Campiglia dei Berici, Italy, Ezzati entered the Salesian novitiate in Quilpué, Valparaíso, after his arrival in Chile. He completed his philosophical studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso and theological training at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome. After taking final vows in 1966 and receiving ordination in 1970, he obtained a Licentiate in Religious Studies from the Institut de Pastoral Catéchetique in Strasbourg. He subsequently served as a professor of philosophy and religion.
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Before his appointment as Bishop of Valdivia in 1996, Ezzati held multiple internal Salesian positions, including director of youth ministry and inspector provincial for Chile. In 2001, he became the auxiliary bishop of Santiago de Chile. He later served as Archbishop of Concepción from 2006 to 2010 before succeeding Cardinal Francisco Errázuriz as the Archbishop of Santiago in 2011. During his career, he participated in the Synod of Bishops on the Family and served on the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Investigations and Public Controversies
In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI designated Ezzati as an apostolic visitor to investigate the Legionaries of Christ regarding systemic sexual abuse by its founder, Marciel Maciel Degollado. During his tenure as Archbishop of Santiago, his administration faced significant scrutiny regarding the handling of clerical abuse cases, specifically involving Fernando Karadima and the subsequent legal actions and public protests directed at the archdiocese. He resigned from his position in March 2019 following extended investigations and litigation.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 January 1942, Campiglia dei Berici, Italy
- Cardinal: Elevated 22 February 2014
- Archbishop of Santiago de Chile: 2010–2019
- President of the Episcopal Conference of Chile: 2010–2016
- Ordained priest: 18 March 1970
- Education: Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, University of Strasbourg
Questions readers ask
Which territories did Ezzati investigate for the Legionaries of Christ?
He was responsible for investigating the order's houses in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela.
When did Ezzati conclude his role as Archbishop of Santiago?
Pope Francis accepted his resignation on 23 March 2019.
