Luis Mena Arroyo (May 11, 1904 – March 3, 1995) was a Mexican prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Archbishop of Chihuahua from 1969 to 1979 and later as Archbishop of León from 1981 to 1994.
Early Life and Priesthood
Born on May 11, 1904, in Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico, Luis Mena Arroyo embarked on his ecclesiastical journey at a young age. He was ordained to the priesthood on October 28, 1928. Following his ordination, he undertook various pastoral and administrative responsibilities within his diocese, demonstrating commitment and leadership.
Episcopal Career
Mena Arroyo's episcopal career spanned over three decades and was marked by several significant appointments within the Mexican Catholic hierarchy:
- Auxiliary Bishop of México: On August 16, 1961, Pope John XXIII appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of México, granting him the titular see of Pomo. He received his episcopal consecration on September 21, 1961, with Archbishop Octaviano Márquez y Tóriz serving as the principal consecrator.
- Second Vatican Council: As a newly consecrated bishop, he participated in the sessions of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), contributing to the discussions and reforms that shaped the modern Catholic Church.
- Archbishop of Chihuahua: On September 1, 1967, he was named Coadjutor Archbishop of Chihuahua, indicating that he held the right of succession to the archdiocese. He automatically succeeded as Archbishop of Chihuahua on March 3, 1969, following the death of Archbishop Antonio Guízar y Valencia. He led the Archdiocese of Chihuahua for a decade.
- Archbishop of León: On August 28, 1979, he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of León. He eventually succeeded as Archbishop of León on November 19, 1981, a position he held until his retirement.
Retirement and Death
Archbishop Mena Arroyo retired from his duties as Archbishop of León on August 15, 1994, at the age of 90, having served the Church for over six decades. He passed away a few months later on March 3, 1995, in León, Guanajuato, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the Catholic Church in Mexico.