Antonio Arregui Yarza, the emeritus Archbishop of Guayaquil, passed away on February 5, 2026, at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by Church authorities, prompting widespread reactions and messages of condolence across Ecuador and beyond.See more…
Born on June 3, 1939, in Oñate, Spain, Arregui Yarza devoted most of his life to religious service in Ecuador, a country where he later obtained citizenship. He was a member of Opus Dei and was regarded as one of the most influential figures of the Catholic Church in the nation.
He was ordained a priest in 1964 and completed advanced studies in theology, philosophy, and canon law. Over the years, he held several key positions within the Church, including Auxiliary Bishop of Quito and Bishop of Ibarra.
In 2003, Antonio Arregui Yarza was appointed Archbishop of Guayaquil, a position he held until 2015. During this period, he also served as President of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference, playing a central role in guiding the Church through religious, social, and institutional matters.
Antonio Arregui Yarza will be remembered for his dedication, his strong voice in public debate, and his commitment to social, educational, and humanitarian causes. His legacy remains alive in the communities he served for decades.
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