Appointment of Priest Serving Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Spain as Bishop of Madrid Archdiocese

Father Andrés Martínez Esteban, who has long served as a spiritual guide for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Spain, has been appointed bishop of Madrid by Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was made on October 16, 2026, and the new bishop was welcomed by Stephen Sus, president of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), who expressed gratitude for his dedication to the community.

Martínez Esteban has spent over a decade in ministry within Spain, where he has provided pastoral care to Eastern Catholic communities, including the Ukrainian Greek Catholic faithful. His role as a vicar general for the Eastern rite Catholics in Spain has included overseeing the spiritual needs of Ukrainian Greek Catholics and other Eastern Catholic communities. His appointment reflects the Church’s commitment to supporting these communities, especially during times of need.

The new bishop, born in 1971, has a background in theology and church history. He holds a doctorate in theology from the University of San Damaso and has studied church history at the Phrygian University. Additionally, he has completed a diploma in paleography and archival science, which has informed his work in the Madrid Archdiocese’s historical archives.

Martínez Esteban’s career has been marked by service in various capacities within the Madrid Archdiocese. He worked in the archives from 2004 to 2024 and has taught at the Word Department of San Damaso and the High Institute of Religious Sciences. He also served as a spiritual mentor at the Military Seminary and has held leadership roles within the Madrid Archdiocese.

The new bishop will be ordained on December 12, 2026, at the Santa María la Real de Almudén Cathedral in Madrid. His appointment underscores the importance of leadership and pastoral care within the Eastern Catholic communities, aligning with the Church’s mission to support and guide its faithful. His background and experience position him well to continue this vital work.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)