Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Geraldo Ramírez Torres as the next bishop of the Diocese of Ponce, marking a new chapter for one of Puerto Rico’s most prominent Catholic jurisdictions.
The appointment was announced on June 24 alongside the acceptance of the resignation of Bishop Rubén Antonio González Medina, C.M.F., who has overseen the diocese since 2015.
A Lifelong Connection to the Diocese
Ramírez, a native of Villalba, Puerto Rico, has spent much of his priestly life serving within the Diocese of Ponce.
Born on Nov. 17, 1967, he was ordained to the priesthood on Nov. 19, 1991, becoming a member of the diocesan clergy he would later help lead.
Over the decades, he has taken on a variety of pastoral responsibilities, earning recognition for his commitment to parish ministry and diocesan administration.
Extensive Experience in Pastoral Service
Before being selected as bishop, Ramírez served in several parishes throughout the diocese as both a parish priest and chaplain.
His long-standing service brought him into close contact with communities across the region.
In recent years, he held key leadership positions within the diocesan structure.
Since 2021, he has served as vicar general, one of the highest-ranking administrative roles in the diocese.
He has also been the parish priest of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe since 2004, making him a familiar figure to many Catholics in Ponce.
Academic Formation and Priesthood
Ramírez pursued theological studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology before entering ordained ministry.
His educational background, combined with more than three decades of pastoral experience, helped shape the path that ultimately led to his appointment as bishop.
“Father Jerry” Reflects on His Calling
Known affectionately by many as “Father Jerry,” Ramírez has often spoken publicly about the influences that guided him toward the priesthood.
In a 2016 interview marking the 25th anniversary of his ordination, he credited his vocation to the faith of his family and the example set by Marianist priests and religious brothers.
Reflecting on his journey, he described accepting God’s call with humility, acknowledging his imperfections while expressing confidence in divine guidance throughout his ministry.
The Role of the Diocese of Ponce
The Diocese of Ponce is one of six Roman Catholic dioceses serving Puerto Rico and plays an important role in the island’s religious life.
It operates as a suffragan diocese under the authority of the Archdiocese of San Juan de Puerto Rico and forms part of the Catholic Church structure in the United States.
With the appointment of Ramírez, the diocese now prepares for a new era of leadership as it continues its pastoral mission across southern Puerto Rico.
Looking Ahead
As he assumes his new responsibilities, Bishop-designate Ramírez brings decades of local experience, deep ties to the community, and a long history of service within the Diocese of Ponce.
His elevation to the episcopacy reflects a continuation of leadership rooted in the local church, while offering an opportunity to guide the diocese through its next stage of growth and ministry.
