The New International Encyclopædia/Zumárraga, Juan de

ZUMÁRRAGA, tho͞o-mä′rȧ-gȧ, Juan de (1468-1548). A Spanish prelate, first Bishop of Mexico, born in Durango (Biscay). He entered the Franciscan Order, was nominated Inquisitor of Biscay by Charles V., became a provincial of his Order, and went by royal appointment as bishop to Mexico in 1528. There he distinguished himself by his kindly treatment of the natives, his removal of various administrative abuses, and his foundation of religious and educational institutions. His religious zeal, however, caused the burning of many Aztec manuscripts. With the exception of one return to Spain (1532), when he was formally consecrated and obtained means from Charles V. to build his cathedral, he passed the remainder of his life in Mexico. Shortly before his death he was promoted to be archbishop. Many of the papers and translations left by Zumárraga were republished in the great Cartas de Indias (Madrid, 1877).