College of Cardinals

Biographical notes

[Updated: 22.02.2014]

Notice: the biographical notes are only a working instrument for the press.

Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano, metropolitan archbishop of Managua (Nicaragua), was born in Ticuantepe, archdiocese of Managua, on 7 March 1949. He completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the national seminary in Managua and in the council seminary of the archdiocese of México. He obtained his licentiate in sacred theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

He was ordained a priest in Managua on 16 August 1974.

As a priest, he served in a number of roles, including: priest in the parishes of "Tisma", "Las Brisas", "la Asunción", and "St. Pius X" in Managua, and vicar for pastoral care and substitute vicar general of Managua.

On 13 February 1988 he was appointed as titular bishop of Maturba and auxiliary bishop of Managua. He received Episcopal ordination on 19 March, 1988.

On 2 November 1991, he was appointed as bishop of Matagalpa.

On 12 March 2005, Pope John Paul II appointed him as archbishop of Managua.

He was President of the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua from 2005 to 2011.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 22 February 2014, of the Title of San Gioacchino ai Prati di Castello.