Jorge Enrique Jiménez Carvajal was born in Bucaramanga on 29 March 1942. He studied philosophy at the Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá and theology at the Eudists' major seminary, professed his vows in the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (the Eudists) on 17 May 1964, and was ordained a priest on 17 June 1967. He taught at seminaries, directed studies at CELAM's theological-pastoral institute in Medellín, and served as his congregation's provincial superior in Colombia.
John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Zipaquirá on 9 November 1992 (consecrated 12 December by Cardinal Revollo Bravo). He was secretary-general of CELAM (1995–99) and then its president (1999–2003). In November 2002, while travelling north of Bogotá to a confirmation, he and a priest companion were kidnapped by FARC guerrillas at San Antonio de Aguilera; a special unit of the Colombian army rescued them after four days. He became coadjutor archbishop of Cartagena in February 2004, succeeded as archbishop on 24 October 2005, and served until 25 March 2021. Francis created him a cardinal on 27 August 2022, with the title of Santa Dorotea — at 80, a non-elector.
Major Works & Initiatives
Archbishop of Cartagena
Sixteen years on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
President of CELAM
Led the Latin American bishops' council through its jubilee years.
The kidnapping
Seized by the FARC; rescued by the army after four days.
Controversies
On the record
No significant public controversies reported.