Patrick Curtis (1740 – 26 July 1832) was an Irish Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland from 1819 until his death.
Born in County Louth, Ireland, Curtis pursued his ecclesiastical education in Spain. He spent a significant portion of his early career as an academic and administrator, serving with distinction as the President of the Irish College at Salamanca for many years. This period in Spain provided him with extensive international connections and a broad understanding of European political and religious affairs.
In 1819, at the age of 79, Curtis was appointed Archbishop of Armagh. Despite his advanced age, he quickly emerged as an influential figure in Irish public life and the Catholic Church. He became a prominent advocate for Catholic Emancipation, the movement seeking to remove legal restrictions and discrimination against Catholics in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Curtis cultivated a close working relationship with Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, who was then Prime Minister and played a crucial role in the passage of the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829. Curtis's diplomatic efforts and personal connections were instrumental in facilitating communication and understanding between the Catholic hierarchy and the British government during this critical period.
Archbishop Curtis died in 1832 and was interred in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. His legacy is primarily associated with his contributions to the cause of Catholic rights and his long and distinguished career as both an educator and a senior church leader.