Gerardo Antonio Vargas Cruz (born December 2, 1976) is an Puerto Rican prelate of the Archdiocese of San Juan de Puerto Rico who was appointed as Coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao in 2026.
Biography Gerardo Antonio Vargas Cruz, was born Dec. 2, 1976, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico and raised in Lajas, Puerto Rico.
Episcopal career Ordination and early career Vargas Cruz joined the Order of Friars Minor in the Franciscan Custody of the Caribbean, carrying out his novitiate in the Dominican Republic. He gave his solemn profession in 2004 and was ordained a priest on Aug. 12, 2006 at Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Church in Lajas, Puerto Rico by Monsignor Ulises Aurelio Casiano Vargas Bishop of Mayagüez. He continued his formation in Puerto Rico at the Universidad Central de Bayamón, graduating in social service and obtaining a master of divinity. In the years following his ordination, Vargas Cruz has held a number of positions, including as master of novices; national assistant of the Secular Franciscan Order in Puerto Rico; deputy custos and custos of the Franciscan Custody of the Caribbean (2014 to 2017); and vicar for clergy in the San Juan Archdiocese.
Vargas also is a university professor, a director of radio programming, He served as chaplain at the Bayamón Correctional Complex 501. and one of the Franciscan animators for the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s mission in Puerto Rico.
Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao Pope Leo XIV appointed Vargas Cruz coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao on September 8, 2026. On 14 November 2026, Vargas Cruz is scheduled to be consecrated as a bishop.
See also
Catholic Church hierarchy Catholic Church in the United States Historical list of the Catholic bishops of the United States Historical list of the Catholic bishops of Puerto Rico List of Catholic bishops of the United States Lists of patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops
References
External links
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Juan Official Site