Celestino Aós Braco (born July 6, 1945) is a Spanish prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Santiago since March 27, 2019. Known for his humility, pastoral approach, and commitment to social justice, Aós Braco has emerged as a prominent figure within the Church, both in Spain and internationally.

Celestino Aós Braco

Born in Artaiz, Spain, Aós Braco pursued his religious vocation at a young age, joining the Salesians of Don Bosco. He completed his studies in philosophy and theology, being ordained as a priest in 1972. Throughout his early career, he served in various pastoral and educational roles within the Salesian community, demonstrating a deep dedication to serving the marginalized and promoting education as a tool for social empowerment.

Aós Braco's leadership qualities soon became apparent, leading to his appointment as the Provincial Superior of the Salesians in Chile in 1997. During his tenure, he focused on revitalizing the Salesian presence in the country, emphasizing community engagement and social outreach. His efforts earned him widespread respect and admiration among clergy and laity alike.

In 2006, Aós Braco was consecrated as the titular bishop of Urusi and appointed as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Santiago. His episcopal ministry was characterized by a hands-on approach to pastoral care, actively engaging with parishioners and promoting dialogue within the Church and broader society. He became known for his advocacy for the poor and marginalized, often speaking out against social injustices and advocating for systemic change.

Following the resignation of Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati in 2019 amid a clerical sexual abuse scandal, Aós Braco was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of Santiago. Later that year, Pope Francis named him as the Archbishop of Santiago, the premier see of Chile. In this role, Aós Braco has continued to prioritize reconciliation and healing within the Church, implementing measures to address the legacy of abuse and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

Aós Braco's leadership style is marked by simplicity, humility, and a deep spirituality. He eschews pomp and ceremony, preferring instead to focus on the pastoral needs of his flock. He is known for his accessibility, often engaging directly with parishioners and community leaders. His tenure as Archbishop has been characterized by a renewed sense of hope and unity within the Church in Chile, as well as a commitment to social justice and solidarity with the poor and marginalized.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Aós Braco is also a prolific writer and theologian, with several published works on spirituality, social ethics, and ecclesiology. He continues to be a leading voice within the Catholic Church, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to ministry and governance.

In conclusion, Celestino Aós Braco emerges as a deeply respected figure within the Catholic Church, renowned for his humility, pastoral dedication, and commitment to social justice. From his early years as a Salesian priest to his current role as Archbishop of Santiago, Aós Braco has consistently prioritized the needs of the marginalized and advocated for reconciliation and healing within the Church. His leadership style, marked by simplicity and accessibility, has earned him widespread admiration and has contributed to a renewed sense of hope and unity among the faithful in Chile. Aós Braco's influence extends beyond his pastoral duties, as he continues to be a leading voice for inclusivity and compassion within the Church, embodying the values of humility, service, and solidarity with the poor and marginalized.