# Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo

> Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mérida

**Wikidata**: [Q303314](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q303314)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltazar_Enrique_Porras_Cardozo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/baltazar-enrique-porras-cardozo

## Summary
Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo is a Venezuelan Roman Catholic prelate who serves as the Archbishop of Mérida. Born on October 10, 1944, he is a prominent figure in Venezuela's Catholic Church, leading the Archdiocese of Mérida and contributing to religious leadership in the country.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 10, 1944  
- **Nationality**: Venezuelan  
- **Education**: Studied at the University of Salamanca and the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain.  
- **Known for**: Serving as Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mérida.  
- **Employer(s)**: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mérida.  
- **Field(s)**: Religious leadership, Catholic clergy.  

## Contributions
Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo has led the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mérida, overseeing pastoral and administrative duties in the region. His tenure as Archbishop reflects his role in guiding the Catholic community in Mérida, a state in northwestern Venezuela. While specific projects or publications are not detailed in the source material, his leadership within the archdiocese constitutes his primary contribution to Venezuela's religious landscape.

## FAQs
**What is Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo's role in the Catholic Church?**  
He serves as the Archbishop of Mérida, a key position in Venezuela's Roman Catholic hierarchy, overseeing the spiritual and administrative affairs of the archdiocese.  

**Where was he educated?**  
Porras Cardozo studied at the University of Salamanca and the Pontifical University of Salamanca, both in Spain.  

**What distinguishes his career?**  
His career is marked by his leadership in the Venezuelan Catholic Church, particularly his appointment as Archbishop of Mérida, a role central to the religious life of the region.  

## Why They Matter
As Archbishop of Mérida, Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo plays a critical role in shaping the Catholic Church's presence in northwestern Venezuela. His leadership influences the spiritual guidance of the local population and contributes to the broader network of the Roman Catholic Church in Venezuela. Without his stewardship, the archdiocese would lack the structured governance and pastoral care he provides, impacting the religious and social fabric of the Mérida community.

## Notable For
- Serving as Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mérida.  
- Being educated at prestigious Spanish institutions, including the University of Salamanca and the Pontifical University of Salamanca.  
- Holding a prominent position in Venezuela's Catholic hierarchy.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education  
Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo was born on October 10, 1944. He pursued higher education in Spain, attending the University of Salamanca and the Pontifical University of Salamanca. These institutions are renowned for their theological and academic rigor, providing a foundation for his career in the Catholic clergy.

### Career and Leadership  
Porras Cardozo was ordained as a Catholic priest and later elevated to the rank of bishop. His most notable appointment is as Archbishop of Mérida, a position that places him at the helm of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mérida. This archdiocese, located in the Venezuelan state of Mérida, is part of the country's 23 states and benefits from his spiritual and administrative leadership. As archbishop, he oversees religious services, pastoral care, and community outreach within the archdiocese.

### Institutional Affiliations  
- **Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mérida**: Porras Cardozo's primary affiliation, where he directs the archdiocese's activities and represents the Catholic Church in the region.  
- **University of Salamanca and Pontifical University of Salamanca**: His education at these Spanish universities underscores his theological training and connection to global Catholic scholarship.  

### Legacy and Impact  
As Archbishop of Mérida, Porras Cardozo contributes to the continuity and vitality of the Catholic faith in Venezuela. His role ensures the archdiocese remains a cohesive and active part of the broader Catholic Church, supporting congregants and engaging with local communities. While specific achievements or publications are not highlighted in the source material, his leadership in a key religious institution in Venezuela remains his defining legacy.

## References

1. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
2. [Source](http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bporcar.html)
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/01/17/230117a.html)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. FactGrid