Francisco Gutiérrez (bishop), more formally known as Francisco Gutiérrez de los Ríos (died 1625), was a Spanish prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Plasencia and later as Archbishop of Granada during the early 17th century.
Biography
Born in Córdoba, Spain, Francisco Gutiérrez de los Ríos hailed from a distinguished noble family, the House of Fernán Núñez. He pursued an extensive education, excelling in ecclesiastical studies, particularly in canon law, which prepared him for a career in the Church.
His early career involved various appointments within the Spanish ecclesiastical structure, demonstrating his aptitude and dedication. On 18 July 1616, he was elevated to the episcopate and consecrated as Bishop of Plasencia, a diocese located in the region of Extremadura, Spain. He presided over the diocese of Plasencia for five years.
On 13 May 1621, Gutiérrez de los Ríos was appointed to the prestigious see of Archbishop of Granada, one of the most significant archdioceses in Spain at the time. He held this prominent position until his death in 1625. During his time as both bishop and archbishop, he was engaged in the spiritual and administrative governance of his dioceses during a period marked by the ongoing reforms of the Counter-Reformation in Spain. His elevation to such high ecclesiastical offices signifies his influence and standing within the Spanish Church hierarchy of the early 17th century.
Archbishop Francisco Gutiérrez de los Ríos died in 1625 while still serving as the Archbishop of Granada.