Gonzalez Cruchaga, the Right Rev. Carlos

▪ 2009

      Chilean Roman Catholic bishop

born June 8, 1921, Santiago, Chile

died Sept. 21, 2008, Santiago

adamantly defended human rights during the Chilean military dictatorship (1974–90) of Augusto Pinochet. Following in the footsteps of his cousin, the Chilean saint Father Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga (beatified in 1994), González was ordained a priest in 1944. He was first appointed to the San Joaquín parish in Santiago and in 1966 became bishop of Talca. González was subjected to a campaign of intimidation when he confronted Pinochet about 15 missing individuals found in an unmarked grave during the dictator's reign. González established a self-help centre for Talca's peasants, and as president (1988–92) of the Chilean Episcopal Conference, he played a significant role in helping to drive Pinochet out of power and in establishing democracy. González authored the book ¿Y qué hiciste con tu hermano? (2007).

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