The figure of the bishop in New Spain was central to the religious, cultural and political organization of the viceroyalty. They were not only spiritual authorities: many of them promoted education, health and the construction of institutions that deeply marked the New Spain society. Between defenders of the indigenous peoples, reformers of the Church and even prelates who came to occupy the position of viceroy, the novo-Hispanic bishops embodied the complexity of viceregal life.
Below, we review some of the most outstanding names, from Fray Juan de Zumárraga to Don Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, without forgetting those who left their mark as defenders, founders and governors.
Fray Julián Garcés: the humanist defender of the indigenous people
First bishop of Tlaxcala between 1526 and 1542, Fray Julián Garcés was a Dominican, humanist and co-founder of the city of Puebla de los Ángeles. He stood out for his closeness to the ideas of Fray Bartolomé de las Casas and for his defense of the native peoples. His influence was decisive thanks to a famous letter addressed to Pope Paul III, which contributed to the official declaration of the full rationality of the indigenous people.
Fray Juan de Zumárraga: founder of institutions
The first bishop and archbishop of Mexico (1528-1548) came from the Franciscan cloisters reformed by Cardinal Cisneros and was marked by Erasmist thought. His work transcended the ecclesiastical:
- He supported the arrival of the first printing press in America in 1539.
- He founded hospitals, such as Amor de Dios and San Hipólito.
- He created the Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco school, for the higher education of indigenous youth.
- He participated in the efforts for the founding of the University of Mexico.
Zumárraga left an institutional legacy that marked the course of education and health in the viceroyalty.
Vasco de Quiroga: the “Tata Vasco” of Michoacan
Don Vasco de Quiroga was the first bishop of Michoacán (1538-1565), based in Pátzcuaro. Inspired by humanist ideals, he organized indigenous communities under a system of village hospitals, in which he distributed trades and labor collectively. He also promoted the construction of a majestic cathedral in Pátzcuaro, which, however, was never completed.
Fray Alonso de Montúfar: The Second Archbishop of Mexico
A Dominican and archbishop of Mexico between 1551 and 1572, Montufar played a key role in the consolidation of the New Spanish Church. He initiated courses at the University in 1553, convoked the first and second provincial councils and undertook the construction of the second cathedral in Mexico City.
Pedro Moya de Contreras: Inquisitor, Archbishop and Viceroy
The third archbishop of Mexico, Moya de Contreras arrived in 1571 as the first inquisitor general. He later received priestly orders and served as archbishop between 1573 and 1586.
Among his most notable actions were:
- The convocation of the third Mexican council, considered the most important.
- The issuance of new constitutions for the University.
- The construction of its building in the Plaza del Volador.
- Progress in the construction of the new cathedral.
In addition, he was a visitor and even held the position of viceroy. Upon his departure, he received the title of Patriarch of the Indies. His figure represented an archbishop with princely style and great political power.
Fray García Guerra: music, bullfighting and viceroyalty
Archbishop between 1608 and 1612, Fray García Guerra stood out for the princely character of his court, his fondness for music and bullfights. In 1611 he added to the archbishopric the title of viceroy, becoming one of the most powerful figures in New Spain.
Don Juan de Palafox y Mendoza: theologian, poet and builder
Bishop of Puebla de los Ángeles between 1640 and 1649, Palafox y Mendoza was also visitador general, interim archbishop of Mexico and interim viceroy.
His legacy is extensive:
- Gave new constitutions to the Mexican University.
- He founded the college of San Pantaleón and the hospital of San Pedro.
- He donated his personal library, the origin of the Palafoxiana Library.
- He promoted the construction of the cathedral of Puebla and the episcopal palace.
Theologian and sacred poet, Palafox had a famous conflict with the Society of Jesus that led him to be removed from his bishopric. After his death, he was declared “venerable”, and in Puebla and Tlaxcala he was worshipped until the 18th century.
Other notable bishops and archbishops
- Alonso de Cuevas y Dávalos (1664-1665): the only archbishop born in New Spain.
- Pérez de la Serna (1613-1624): known for suspending cults in times of crisis.
- Francisco de Aguiar y Seijas (1682-1698): famous for his choleric and misogynistic character, he prohibited the entrance of women to the archbishop’s palace, even in kitchens and patios, and is attributed with the destruction of the library of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.
Conclusion
The bishops and archbishops of New Spain were not simply religious administrators. They were defenders of the indigenous peoples, reformers of institutions, promoters of culture and, in some cases, figures of political power who came to rule as viceroys. Their history reveals how the Church of New Spain was a decisive actor in the construction of the social and cultural life of the viceroyalty.
Some doubts and clarifications about the bishops in New Spain
Who was the first bishop of New Spain?
The first bishop in New Spain was Fray Julian Garces, Dominican and bishop of Tlaxcala (1526-1542), remembered for his defense of the indigenous peoples and for having co-founded the city of Puebla de los Angeles.
What did Fray Juan de Zumárraga do in New Spain?
Zumárraga was the first bishop and archbishop of Mexico. He promoted the arrival of the first printing press in America, founded hospitals and the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco, in addition to participating in the creation of the University of Mexico.
Why is Vasco de Quiroga remembered?
Known as “Tata Vasco”, he was bishop of Michoacán and organized indigenous communities under a system of village hospitals. He also attempted to build a large cathedral in Patzcuaro, although it was never completed.
Were there bishops who were also viceroys in New Spain?
Among them were Pedro Moya de Contreras, Fray García Guerra and Don Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, who simultaneously held ecclesiastical and viceregal government functions.
Who was Juan de Palafox y Mendoza and what legacy did he leave?
Palafox was bishop of Puebla and is remembered as visitador general, interim archbishop and interim viceroy. He founded hospitals and colleges, donated the Palafoxiana Library and advanced in the construction of the cathedral of Puebla.
Were there bishops born in New Spain?
Yes, Alonso de Cuevas y Dávalos was the only archbishop born in New Spain (1664-1665), although there were also novo-Hispanic bishops in other dioceses.
Which bishops had a controversial reputation?
Among them are Aguiar y Seijas, accused of misogyny and of destroying the library of Sor Juana, and Pérez de la Serna, known for having suspended worship services in times of crisis.
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