The Archbishop of Mérida-Badajoz, Monsignor José Rodríguez Carballo, remains admitted to the University Hospital of Badajoz, where various medical tests are being carried out on him after suffering an indisposition last Sunday while presiding over a liturgical celebration.
In a brief official statement, the archdiocese has sought to convey reassurance about the prelate’s condition: “His condition is not serious and he is in good spirits.” Additionally, the diocese has thanked “for the prayers and affection received” in these hours.
The indisposition occurred during a Rocío mass
Rodríguez Carballo had been suffering from severe lower back pain for several days. The situation worsened on Sunday while he was presiding over the mass of the Brotherhood of the Rocío of Badajoz in the parish of Santa María la Real, popularly known as San Agustín.
The crisis necessitated his transfer to the University Hospital of the Pacense capital, where he was initially attended to under observation before being moved to a ward.
To date, no further medical details have emerged about his progress, although the diocese insists on conveying reassurance regarding his condition.
A Franciscan with an extensive career in Rome
José Rodríguez Carballo, born in Lodoselo (Ourense) in 1953, belongs to the Order of Friars Minor. He entered the Franciscan novitiate in 1970, made his solemn profession in Jerusalem in 1976, and was ordained a priest a year later.
He has a solid academic background: he holds a degree in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and in Biblical Theology from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum in Jerusalem.
For years, he developed an important career within Franciscan religious life and the Roman Curia, especially under the pontificate of Pope Francis.
His arrival in Mérida-Badajoz
Francis appointed him coadjutor archbishop of Mérida-Badajoz on September 14, 2023. He took possession of the position on November 25 of that same year in the Pacense cathedral.
Following the acceptance of Monsignor Celso Morga’s resignation due to age, Rodríguez Carballo automatically assumed the archiepiscopal see on June 29, 2024.
Since March 2024, he has also been a member of the Episcopal Commission for Consecrated Life of the Spanish Episcopal Conference.