Arnulfo Moreno Quiñonez

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Arnulfo Moreno Quiñonez[1] (born 25 March 1979) is a Colombian Roman Catholic prelate who has served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cali and titular bishop of Castra Nova since 2026. A priest of the Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi since 2010, he previously served as pro-vicar apostolic of Guapi during the sede vacante from 2024 to 2025.

Early life and education

Moreno Quiñonez was born on 25 March 1979 in El Charco, Nariño, Colombia. He completed his philosophical and theological formation at the Major Seminary of San Pedro Apóstol in Cali before being ordained to the priesthood for the Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi on 17 July 2010.[2]

Priestly ministry

Following his ordination, Moreno Quiñonez served in a variety of pastoral and administrative assignments within the Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi, including:

  • Parochial vicar of the Cathedral of La Inmaculada Concepción, Guapi (2010)
  • Pastor of San Antonio de Padua Parish, Guapi (2011–2014)
  • Territorial coordinator of teachers in Guapi (2011–2012)
  • Parish administrator of La Santísima Trinidad, López de Micay (2015)
  • Parish administrator of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, Chelva, Valencia, Spain (2015–2017)
  • Pastor of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Santa María de Timbiquí (2017)
  • Delegate for family ministry of the Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi (from 2019)
  • Pastor of the Cathedral of La Inmaculada Concepción, Guapi (2021–2025)
  • Delegate vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi (2021–2024; again from 2025 until 2026)
  • Pro-vicar apostolic of Guapi (2024–2025).[3][4]

During the vacancy of the Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi following the transfer of Bishop Carlos Alberto Correa Martínez, Moreno Quiñonez was appointed pro-vicar apostolic on 11 May 2024 by the Apostolic Nunciature to Colombia to oversee the territory until the appointment of a new apostolic vicar.[4]

In November 2024, while he was administering the vicariate, the episcopal residence and offices in Guapi were damaged by an explosive device in an attack attributed to armed groups operating in the region.[5]

Episcopal ministry

On 25 May 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed Moreno Quiñonez auxiliary bishop of Cali and titular bishop of Castra Nova. The appointment was announced simultaneously by the Holy See and the Episcopal Conference of Colombia.[3][6] He received episcopal consecration on 25 July 2026. The principal consecrator was Archbishop Luis Fernando Rodríguez Velásquez.[2]

References

  1. 1.In this name that follows Hispanic American naming customs, the first or paternal surname is Moreno and the second or maternal family name is Quiñonez.
  2. 2.[2.2]"Bishop Arnulfo Moreno Quiñonez". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. David M. Cheney. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
  3. 3.[3.2]"Rinunce e nomine, 25.05.2026". Holy See Press Office. Holy See. 25 May 2026. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
  4. 4.[4.2]"Nunciatura en Colombia nombra al padre Arnulfo Moreno como Pro-Vicariato Apostólico de Guapi". ADN Celam. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
  5. 5."Una bomba destruye la residencia y las oficinas del obispo en Colombia". El Debate. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
  6. 6."El papa León XIV nombra dos nuevos obispos auxiliares para la Arquidiócesis de Cali". Episcopal Conference of Colombia. 25 May 2026. Retrieved 24 July 2026.