Vasco de Quiroga

Deeply moved by the misery and exploitation of the local populations, Vasco de Quiroga decided to act on a social and spiritual level. As early as 1531, he founded at his own expense the first "hospital-village" (pueblo-hospital) of Santa Fe de México, intended to welcome, care for, and instruct the indigenous people.

In 1533, he was sent as an inspector and peacemaker to the Michoacán region, where the Purépecha (or Tarascan) people had been cruelly oppressed by the conquistador Nuño de Guzmán. Through his gentleness, justice, and affection, he managed to gain the trust of the indigenous people without the use of arms. There, he founded a second hospital-village, Santa Fe de la Laguna, on the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro.

These hospital-villages were directly inspired by the work Utopia by Thomas More. They were not mere medical establishments, but communities of welcome and social organization where land was held in common, work was distributed equitably (six hours per day), and the fruits of production ensured the subsistence of the most vulnerable (orphans, widows, the elderly). To avoid competition and stimulate the local economy, he introduced artisanal specialization by village (pottery in Patamban, copper work in Santa Clara del Cobre, guitar making in Paracho, etc.).

In 1536, Pope Paul III established the diocese of Michoacán. After the withdrawal of the initial candidate, the Franciscan Luis de Fuensalida, Vasco de Quiroga was chosen to become the first bishop of the region, even though he was still a layman. He accepted out of obedience, received the minor orders, the diaconate, and the priesthood in succession, and was consecrated bishop in 1538 by Fray Juan de Zumárraga. He transferred the episcopal seat from Tzintzuntzan to Pátzcuaro, where the indigenous population was more numerous. In 1540, he founded the prestigious College of San Nicolás Obispo there to train the clergy and educate the youth.

Parallel to his pastoral action, he wrote his major work in 1535, Información en derecho, a vigorous plea addressed to the Spanish Crown to denounce slavery and defend the human dignity of the indigenous people against the exactions of the colonists (encomenderos). He also participated in the first Mexican provincial council in 1555. He passed away on March 14, 1565, in Pátzcuaro (or in Uruapan during a pastoral visit) at a very advanced age, leaving an imperishable legacy. His remains rest in the Basilica of Our Lady of Health in Pátzcuaro.

The reputation of holiness of Vasco de Quiroga, affectionately nicknamed "Tata Vasco" (Papa Vasco) by the indigenous people, has been maintained without interruption throughout the centuries. From the 17th century, steps were taken to document his heroic virtues, notably by José Moreno, rector of the seminary of Morelia.

The modern cause for beatification and canonization was officially opened in the Archdiocese of Morelia in November 1997. After the closing of the diocesan phase in 2014, the file was transmitted to Rome in 2015 to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. On December 21, 2020, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his theological and cardinal virtues, thus conferring upon him the title of Venerable.

Vasco de Quiroga currently holds the canonical status of Venerable. For his beatification to be pronounced, the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession is required by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The Archdiocese of Morelia regularly invites the faithful to report any grace or unexplained healing obtained through the intercession of "Tata Vasco" in order to advance the canonical process.

The spirituality of Vasco de Quiroga is characterized by a deeply incarnated, courageous, and active faith, entirely turned toward the glory of God and the service of the most destitute. Driven by a heroic hope, he sought to establish the Kingdom of God on earth by translating the Gospel into just and fraternal social structures. His Marian devotion was particularly marked toward the Immaculate Conception. His legacy remains alive in Mexico, particularly in the state of Michoacán, where the artisanal organization he initiated continues to support many families. He is considered one of the founding fathers of the Church in Mexico and a precursor in the defense of human rights. During his pastoral visits to Mexico, Pope John Paul II hailed him as a model of Christian humanism and solicitude for the dignity of the most vulnerable people.