The Catholic Church and the armed forces in Colombia paid their respects to Bishop Víctor Manuel Ochoa Cadavid, the country’s military bishop, who passed away on June 1 at the age of 62. A funeral Mass was held on 4 June at the Military Cathedral of Jesus Christ the Redeemer in the capital, presided over by Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio, Archbishop of Colombia.
During the Mass, Cardinal Rueda highlighted Bishop Ochoa’s spiritual legacy, describing him as a “seed of hope” for Colombia. He remembered Bishop Ochoa as a “sower of the Word and the sacraments, a pastor who took root in the hearts of those he ministered to.” The ceremony was attended by friends, family, 21 bishops, military personnel, and civilians.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez also paid tribute to Bishop Ochoa, stating that he reminded the armed forces that the dignity of the human person is above the uniform and hierarchy. He added that Bishop Ochoa’s legacy is not measured only in documents or decrees but in the souls he comforted and the lives he touched.
Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences, which was read during the Mass, expressing his deepest sympathies to the ecclesial community, family, and acquaintances of the deceased. The Mass concluded with a military ceremony in honor of Bishop Ochoa and the presentation of the Colombian flag to his family.