Canon Ovidio Álvarez Suárez dies at 78 in León

Ovidio Álvarez Suárez, canon of the Real Colegiata de San Isidoro in León, Spain, died on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at the age of 78. Over more than two decades he served parishes in Laciana, Geras, Omaña and La Sobarriba, later becoming parish priest of Santa Marina la Real where he helped revive local religious traditions, including the veiled and unveiled Santo Cristo del Desenclavo ceremony introduced in 2021.

Álvarez Suárez was also remembered for his solidarity with the mining community, walking alongside miners during the historic Marcha Negra and supporting their social demands. He remained active in parish life and cultural events despite declining health, retiring only shortly before his death. His passing is mourned across León as the loss of a religious leader who combined pastoral care with community activism.