José Antonio Álvarez Sánchez, Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid, passed away in the Spanish capital on Wednesday at the age of 50. His death was caused by a heart attack, which came as a shock to many who knew him personally or through his service.
The body of the late bishop will lie in the crypt of the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena), where all those who wish may come to pay their respects and pray for his soul. Later that evening, a memorial mass will be held in the cathedral in his honor.
Álvarez Sánchez was born in Madrid in August 1975. He became a priest in 2000 and dedicated his life to serving in various parishes and educational institutions across the capital. Over the years, he held numerous positions: vicar, university chaplain, teacher at the archbishop’s college, and worked with nuns and future priests.
A significant chapter in his biography was the period when he served as personal secretary to Bishop César Franco Martínez, after which he continued his work at the seminary. In April 2024, Pope Francis appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid, and he was consecrated as bishop in July of the same year.
The death of Álvarez Sánchez has been a heavy blow to Madrid’s church community. His colleagues, parishioners, and family express deep sorrow at the loss of a man who was devoted to his vocation and always found time to help others.
