PALAFOX Y MENDOZA, Juan. — Bishop and theologian, b. at Fitero (Navarre) on 24 June 1600, d. at Osma (Spain) on 1 Oct. 1659.
After completing his studies at Salamanca, he was appointed by Philip IV to the Councils of War and of the Indies; in 1629 he entered the ecclesiastical career and on 27 Dec. 1639 was consecrated bishop of Puebla de los Angeles or Angelopolis (Mexico). From June 1640 to 2 Nov. 1642 he also held the office of viceroy and was able to suppress numerous administrative abuses. He founded a seminary, restored at his own expense more than 50 churches and several hospitals, supported the cause of the Indians, and reformed morals. He came into conflict with some missionaries, especially the Jesuits, over matters of jurisdiction. The controversy took on a chimerical aspect, and he sent five cases against them to Rome. Rome resolved the matter in a way that pacified minds and avoided exaggerations on both sides, imposing silence on the issue. Nevertheless, on 23 June 1653 he was transferred to the diocese of Osma. In 1726 the process for his canonization was introduced, which, after the approval of his writings (28 Feb. 1777), was left in abeyance forever, because the cause seemed too closely tied to the opponents of the Jesuits and contrary to the interests of the Church.
Apart from the controversies, he is known for his ascetical works, discourses, and pastoral letters (Obras, 8 vols., Madrid 1659-68; 12 vols., 1712).