José Cobo Cano, new archbishop of Madrid

The Holy See has appointed Monsignor José Cobo Cano as the new archbishop of the archdiocese of Madrid to take over the position of cardinal Carlos Osoro, who has become apostolic administrator of Madrid. In his letter to the new diocesans, Cobo acknowledges receiving his new ministry "with vertigo and awe" and tells us "to rely on the greatness of the faith we have received".

Cobo, a former student of the university, where he studied Philosophy and Theology, thanked those who have preceded him in office, and said that he looks towards the future "with confidence, relying on priests, deacons, religious life, laity, and the apostolic college". He also showed his concern for the problems that Christians and those close to the diocese are experiencing today, and did so with the conviction that "the Church in Madrid is called to confront itself with the evangelical message".

This designation comes after a long career in different positions all over Spain. In addition to being a lecturer, he has been deputy minister of Hermandades del Trabajo de Madrid; vicar and archpriest of San Leopoldo; member of the Presbyteral Council; parish priest of San Alfonso María Ligorio, and archpriest of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Aluche-Campamento, as well as a member of the Permanent Commission of the II Diocesan Synod. He has also been auxiliary bishop of Madrid, as well as responsible for the Prison Pastoral Care Department in the Spanish Episcopal Conference. Lastly, he has been responsible for the Department of Migration since he was appointed in 2019.

The opening ceremony will take place on 8 July 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena.