Ricardo Ezzati Andrello was born in Campiglia dei Berici, Vicenza, on 7 January 1942, and at seventeen chose the Salesian novitiate in Quilpué, Chile — “When I was sent to Chile, I made of the country my life option. I am of Italian origins and of Chilean vocation.” He studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Valparaíso and theology at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, made perpetual vows on 30 December 1966, and was ordained a priest on 18 March 1970. He taught at the Catholic University of Valparaíso, served as rector of the Salesian college in Concepción, and became provincial inspector of the Salesians in Chile.
Appointed Bishop of Valdivia on 28 June 1996 (consecrated 8 September by Cardinal Oviedo Cavada), he became auxiliary bishop of Santiago in 2001, Archbishop of Concepción in December 2006, and Metropolitan Archbishop of Santiago on 15 December 2010, installed on 14 January 2011. He headed Chile's bishops' conference from 2010 to 2016. Francis created him a cardinal on 22 February 2014, with the title of Santissimo Redentore a Valmelaina. He resigned Santiago on 23 March 2019. His motto is Para Evangelizar — “to evangelize.”
Consequential Quotes
When I was sent to Chile, I made of the country my life option. I am of Italian origins and of Chilean vocation.
Major Works & Initiatives
Archbishop of Santiago
Nine years in Chile's capital through its abuse crisis.
President of the Chilean bishops
Led the conference during Francis's pontificate.
Salesian educator
Rector, teacher, and provincial inspector of the Salesians in Chile.
Controversies
The 2018 cover-up investigations
Amid Chile's clerical abuse crisis, Ezzati was named in prosecutors' investigations into cover-ups by Church leaders; he denied wrongdoing. The outcome of the inquiries could not be verified from available sources.