Juan de Ribera was a 16th-century Spanish prelate who served as the Archbishop of Valencia and the Viceroy of the same region. Born in Seville in 1532, he held several significant positions, including the Latin Patriarchate of Antioch and the Bishopric of Badajoz. He was a prominent figure during the reign of Philip III, wielding both religious and civil authority. Ribera is remembered for his strict adherence to the Council of Trent and his influential role in the decision to expel the Moriscos from Spain in 1609.
Life and career
After studying at the University of Salamanca, Ribera was ordained a priest in 1557. He became the Bishop of Badajoz in 1562, where he focused on teaching the catechism and opposing Protestantism. Later, as Archbishop of Valencia, he established the Museum of the Patriarch to train clergy according to Tridentine principles. His political influence grew when he was appointed Viceroy of Valencia in 1602, combining spiritual leadership with administrative power.
Morisco expulsion
Ribera viewed the Morisco population, descendants of Muslims, as heretical. He believed they had failed to assimilate into Christian society, maintaining their own culture despite previous conversion decrees. He successfully advocated to King Philip III for their expulsion in 1609, suggesting that the seizure of Morisco property could benefit the royal treasury. While he initially proposed even harsher measures, such as enslavement, his primary goal was the removal of these perceived threats to religious unity.
Veneration
Following his death in Valencia in 1611, efforts to recognize his sanctity began. Although some questioned his legacy due to his stance on the Moriscos, he was beatified in 1796. After the evaluation of miracles, Pope John XXIII canonized him in 1960. He is commemorated in the Catholic and Anglican traditions, with his feast day observed on January 6.