Bishop Luis Manuel ALI HERRERA
Colombia
Secretary, Psychologist
Bishop Alí Herrera was the director of the Psychological Orientation Area at the Conciliar Seminary of the Archdiocese of Bogotá (2007 – 2015), where he also taught psychology of human development, social psychology, and pastoral psychology.
He was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, in 1967, and attended the Conciliar Seminary of Bogotá being ordained to the priesthood in 1992.
After graduating in theology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana of Bogotá (2003) he obtained a degree in psychology from the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (2007). He is former senior associate of the Colegio Colombiano de Psicólogos (Colombian School of Psychologists).
In 2015, Pope Francis nominated him Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bogotá, and Titular Bishop of Giubalziana. His episcopal consecration took place in Bogotá cathedral on 12 December 2015.
In 2022, he was appointed Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Colombia.
In 2022, Pope Francis reappointed him a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Pope Francis nominated Bishop Alí Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in 2024.
Commemorating our founding father Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY — Today, the Commission joins the global Catholic community in mourning the loss of our founding father. Pope Francis will be remembered not only as a steadfast spiritual leader, but as the architect of a historic cultural shift within the Church—placing...
A Pilgrimage of Reparation and Hope
Marking the Jubilee Year, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors made a Pilgrimage of Reparation and Hope on the eve of Holy Week carrying with them, as they crossed the Holy Door, the prayers and testimonies of everyone who has reached out to the...
Boots hit the ground in Commission’s capacity building program, the Memorare Initiative
LIMA, Peru – The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors marked a significant milestone in its efforts across Latin America with the second regional meeting of Memorare Advisors on Feb. 28, 2025. The gathering took place during the 4th Latrin American...
Pope calls for clear regulations to govern AI ‘Tsunami’
Pope urges Latin American safeguarding congress in Peru to ensure human dignity remains at the heart of technological advances. In opening speech Commission Secretary Ali Herrera says we must work together to establish ethical standards and protective measures. LIMA...
Pope Francis calls for global action to protect children’s rights
In the inaugural address at the World Meeting on Children’s Rights at the Vatican on Monday February 3, Pope Frances says nothing is more precious than the life of a child “To kill children is to deny the future” VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis delivered a powerful call...
Safeguarding, ethnic cultures and taboo topics
Commission Secretary Bishop Ali and member Archbishop Thibault Verny travel to Ivory Coast, home to 62 ethnic groups, and hear from bishops, religious and faith communities working in challenging contexts to advance an end to sexual violence on the...
Commission spotlights safeguarding in the Central African Republic in first trip of 2025
A Commission delegation travelled to the Central African Republic, highlighting the vitality of the young church and its growing safeguarding needs. Communications staff The Central African Republic lies in the heart of Africa and is home to a population of 6 million,...
One-Church approach on Safeguarding in Venezuela
Daniel Portillo and Patricia Espinosa During the month of November two Safeguarding activities took place in Venezuela: November 4 to 15 an online course on abuse prevention and safeguarding policy development in dioceses and congregations; November 28 to 30 The II...
European Church calls for vigilance against safeguarding fatigue
Communications Staff A three-day conference on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Europe concluded in Rome Friday with a resounding call for continued vigilance and collaboration in creating a safer Church environment. The November 13 to 15...
The Commission enhancing the European Safeguarding Network
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) is hosting in November 13-15 a European Conference for Church leaders and safeguarding personnel from across Europe. The purpose of this event is to broaden the European Network started in Warsaw in 2021, to share good practices in the mission of protecting children and vulnerable persons.
Bishop Alí Herrera attends CELAM meeting: Safeguarding is an ‘evangelistic responsibility to make our Church a safe space and home’
Creating a culture of care, along with a shared responsibility toward transparency and reparation were among themes discussed by the participants from Latin America and the Caribbean. Bishops, priests, religious and lay men and women representing dioceses, religious...
Commission Secretary to East Africa Bishops: We must let victims know they will be heard
Bishops in the Catholic Church are called to promote a safe environment while providing much needed support to those affected by abuse, Bishop Luis Ali Herrera, secretary to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) said in a message to East African bishops.
First weeks in office for the new leadership of the Commission
May 8th marked the first day in the office for the new management team of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Both Monsignor Ali and Ms. Kettelkamp, expressed their enthusiasm and their strong desire to work together to carry forward the mission of the Commission.
Card. O’ Malley: An Expanded Commission for an Expanded Mandate
Cardinal Seán O’Malley OFM. Cap., President, on the Appointment by Pope Francis of Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors Today’s announcement by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, of members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of...
Card O’ Malley: A watershed moment for Commission
The 17th Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors concluded with a clear mandate from Pope Francis. Below Commission President Cardinal O' Malley's statement to press. "On behalf of the commission I would like to welcome you...
XV Plenary Assembly addresses the realities, challenges, and directions for the Commission, Safeguarding, and the Church
The XV ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors took place in Rome and online from April 19-22, 2021.