Ricardo Ernesto Centellas Guzmán died on September 24, 2026, at the age of 63. His death was confirmed by church officials in Bolivia. He was the archbishop of Sucre since 2020, a position he held until his death.
Born on November 7, 1962, Centellas Guzmán studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University. His career in Bolivia’s church spanned more than two decades. He served as auxiliary bishop of Potosí from 2005 to 2009. In 2009, he became bishop of Potosí and led that diocese until 2020.
In 2020, he was appointed archbishop of Sucre. He led the archdiocese for six years. During that time, he was known for his leadership within Bolivia’s Catholic community. His work included involvement in national church affairs and public service.
Centellas Guzmán also served as president of the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia. He held that role from 2015 to 2018 and was re-elected to the position in 2018. He continued as conference president until 2021. Church officials confirmed his leadership helped shape Bolivia’s church policies during his tenure.
His education at the Pontifical Gregorian University placed him among Bolivia’s most educated clergy. Church records described him as a Catholic priest and bishop. His work was recognized across the country for its influence within the church and beyond.
The news of his death comes at a moment of reflection within Bolivia’s religious circles. Officials did not specify the cause of death. His passing leaves a void in the church hierarchy in Bolivia.
The Bolivian government and religious leaders issued statements acknowledging his contributions. They praised his leadership in the church and his role in national religious affairs. No further details about the circumstances of his death have been released.
He is survived by colleagues and members of Bolivia’s Catholic community. His death prompts questions about the future direction of the archdiocese of Sucre. Church sources confirmed that funeral arrangements are being prepared.
Bolivia’s Catholic Church has lost a figure who shaped its direction for more than two decades. His leadership in both local dioceses and the national conference leaves a record of influence. His passing will be felt across Bolivia’s religious and political spheres.
Sources confirmed his death but did not specify if he was ill. The church’s official statement simply announced his death without further elaboration. His death marks the end of an era for Bolivia’s church leadership.
Observers note that his tenure coincided with a period of political change in Bolivia. While his role was primarily religious, his influence extended into social issues. His absence leaves a gap in Bolivia’s ecclesiastical hierarchy.
The archdiocese of Sucre and the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia have yet to announce funeral details. Local clergy and government officials are expected to gather in the coming days. His legacy, however, is already being noted across the country.
Ricardo Ernesto Centellas Guzmán’s death closes a chapter in Bolivia’s church history. His leadership spanned more than two decades. His influence extended from local dioceses to national religious policy. His absence will be felt for years to come.
According to Dead-People.