Bartolomé de Ledesma

Bartolomé de Ledesma, O.P. (died February 16, 1604) was a Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Antequera, Oaxaca (1583-1604) and Bishop of Panamá (1580-1583).^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

Biography

Bartolomé de Ledesma was ordained a priest in the Order of Preachers.^[1][7] On October 20, 1580, Pope Gregory XIII, appointed him Bishop of Panamá^[1] (some sources state that he did not accept the nomination).^[7] On June 3, 1583, he was consecrated bishop by Diego de Romano y Govea, Bishop of Tlaxcala (Puebla de los Angeles).^[1] As there was no official governor during his term as bishop of Panama, he was instrumental in governing the province with the Audencia Real (high court).^[6] He reached out to the Cimarrónes (free blacks) who were living outside of the Crown's jurisdiction and facilitated their incorporation into the colony.^[6] In 1581, a treaty was signed between the Cimarrónes which gave them the land which they possessed and allowed them to found and settle the city of Pacora, near Panama City, as a commercial center.^[6] He also helped to lessen congestion in Panama City by founding the town of Penonomé and establishing parishes in Natá and Olá.^[6] In June 1584, Pope Gregory XIII, appointed him the third Bishop of Antequera, Oaxaca where he served until his death on February 16, 1604.^[1]

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