Ricardo Ramírez (bishop)

Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B. (born September 12, 1936) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the Bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico, from 1982 to 2018.

Born in Bay City, Texas, Ramírez was ordained a priest for the Congregation of St. Basil (Basilians) on December 3, 1966. He earned a doctorate in religious education from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome. He served in various teaching and administrative roles within the Basilian order before his appointment to the episcopacy.

On October 28, 1981, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio, Texas, and Titular Bishop of Vatarba. He received his episcopal consecration on January 6, 1982.

On August 17, 1982, Ramírez was appointed the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Las Cruces. As Bishop, he focused on issues of social justice, particularly concerning immigration and the needs of the poor. He was known for his advocacy on behalf of immigrants and his efforts to address poverty within the diocese.

Ramírez retired as Bishop of Las Cruces on January 9, 2018, upon the acceptance of his resignation by Pope Francis. He was succeeded by Bishop Peter Baldacchino.