Cirilo B. Flores (June 20, 1948 – September 6, 2014) was an American Roman Catholic prelate who held senior pastoral and administrative roles in California dioceses. During his later years he served as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Orange, then as coadjutor and ultimately as the bishop of the Diocese of San Diego. His career in the hierarchy of the Church ended with his death in 2014 after a brief illness.

Early life and ordination

Flores was born in Corona, California. He was raised and ordained within the Roman Catholic tradition and spent decades in parish and diocesan ministry before being appointed to the episcopacy. For basic biographical summaries and official notices about his appointment and ministry see official biography and statements and local archival material such as records associated with Corona, California.

Episcopal service and roles

In 2009 Flores was named an auxiliary bishop and served in the Diocese of Orange. In 2012 he was appointed coadjutor bishop of San Diego, a role that designates a bishop designated to succeed the sitting diocesan bishop. He succeeded to the office of bishop of the Diocese of San Diego on September 18, 2013 and led that local Church until his death in 2014. Church announcements described him as a pastor and administrator who oversaw diocesan programs and clergy assignments during his tenure. More information on the office and responsibilities of a bishop is available through general Church resources such as explanatory material on the episcopacy and diocesan pages like the Diocese of San Diego.

  • Birth: June 20, 1948 — Corona, California.
  • Auxiliary bishop of Orange: 2009–2012.
  • Coadjutor bishop of San Diego: 2012–2013.
  • Bishop of San Diego: September 18, 2013 – September 6, 2014.

Death and legacy

Flores died in San Diego on September 6, 2014, at age 66 from prostate cancer. His passing was noted by the local Church and by communities he served, which remembered his pastoral work and leadership. Announcements and remembrances from the time of his death are preserved in diocesan statements and contemporary news accounts; see, for example, official notices and health-related summaries such as information on prostate cancer.

As a member of the American Catholic hierarchy, Flores's career illustrates the typical path of clergy who move from parish and diocesan ministry into roles with broader administrative and pastoral oversight. Discussion of the roles of auxiliary and coadjutor bishops can help readers understand how episcopal succession and diocesan governance operate within the wider structures of the Roman Catholic Church.

For further reading and archival material consult diocesan websites and published statements, including the diocesan and biographical pages referenced above: official biography and statements, local history resources, church explanatory resources, Diocese of San Diego material, and health information links such as medical overviews.