The celebration was presided over by the Cardinal Archbishop of Montevideo – the Archdiocese of which the Diocese of Florida-Durazno is a suffragan – Salesian Daniel Sturla, who on this occasion emphasised that Bishop Alfonso Bauer is the first bishop ordained in Uruguay since the beatification of Bishop Jacinto Vera, the first bishop of Montevideo, who was beatified in May 2023.

During the sacred rite, Cardinal Sturla conferred upon Bishop Bauer the symbols of the episcopate: anointing with holy chrism, the ring and the mitre. Subsequently, Bishop Martín Pérez Scremini, Bishop Emeritus of Florida-Durazno, presented him with the crosier.

At the end of the celebration, Bishop Bauer addressed a few words of thanks to all those present and to the people who have accompanied him throughout his priestly and personal journey.

The ceremony was attended by all the new bishop’s family members – including his mother – numerous civil and religious authorities, and a large crowd of the faithful who filled the church to witness this event of great importance not only for the faithful of the Diocese of Florida-Durazno, but for the entire Catholic Church in Uruguay.

Bishop Alfonso Bauer was born on 23 July 1968, took his first religious vows as a Salesian of Don Bosco on 31 January 1988, and was ordained a priest on 16 November 1996 in Montevideo. For the Salesian St Joseph Province, Uruguay (URU), he has held various posts, including: Provincial Councillor (2003–2008; 2012–2017); Delegate for Youth Ministry and Vocational Ministry (2004–2006), for Vocational Ministry (2006–2008), and for Formation (2008–2009); Vice-Provincial (2012–2017) and Provincial (2018–2024).

At the time of his episcopal appointment by Pope Leo XIV, he held the post of Rector and Novice Director at the Novitiate of the Salesian Provinces of America South Cone, based in Montevideo (2024–2026). Bishop Bauer has also served as Vice-President (2018–2021) and President (2021–2025) of the Conference of Religious of Uruguay.

{gallery}URU – Ordinazione Mons Bauer 2026{/gallery}