Professor Carmelo de Diego Lora, emeritus of the School of Canon Law of the University of Navarra, died today in Pamplona. Born in Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz) on September 29, 1920, he graduated in Law from the University of Seville in 1943. One year later he sat the competitive exams for the judiciary, and obtained place as a Judge of First Instance written request and Instruction. In the following years he combined the performance of the magistracy with the academic research , which culminated with the doctorate in Law, in 1949, by the then Central University in Madrid. He was a Judge and Magistrate in several Spanish Courts and in the Territorial Court of Pamplona.

In 1956 he joined the University of Navarra as professor of Procedural Law at School of Law. He started programs of study at Canon Law and received his doctorate at School in 1963.

In 1964 he was ordained a priest and since then has combined his priestly work with his dedication to the University of Navarra. He was a professor at IESE in Barcelona and later University Chaplain of the University. Later, Full Professor, Associate Dean (1970-87) and Dean (1987-91) of the School of Canon Law, positions that he combined with his membership in the committee Presbyteral of the Archdiocese of Pamplona (1978-1985), as well as in the board of Legal Advisors of the Spanish Episcopal lecture (since 1980).

His scientific production is very abundant, mainly focused on three thematic areas: Procedural Law civil, ecclesiastical law of the State, and Procedural Law canon law.

Dean about Professor De Diego-Lora: affability and industriousness

The Dean of the School of Canon Law, Antonio Viana, has highlighted two characteristics of Professor De Diego Lora: his affability and his industriousness. "Of attentive and pleasant conversation, he was very welcoming. He always had time for a enquiry, to listen to a vent in the face of a rising work or to give a timely committee to whoever asked him for it. He didn't seem to be in a hurry and was always waiting for you with a smile. He maintained his good humor during the last years of his life. When I visited him at the Clinic, where he occupied a room with a picture of the Virgen del Rocío, he was especially interested in the people we both knew, asking about each one and always making cheerful and positive comments".

"Hehas also been very industrious. He was where he was needed. He studied many books and published numerous essays of Procedural Law; he served the University of Navarra in very diverse tasks and rendered a great service to the Spanish Episcopal lecture , since for many years he was part of its board of juridical affairs. The Lord will have rewarded him with eternal life for such an intense, joyful and fruitful priestly work ".
 

Semblanza of Carmelo de Diego written by Antonio Viana, Dean of the School of Canon Law (PDF)

Portrait of Carmelo de Diego written by Jorge Otaduy, Associate Dean of the School of Canon Law (PDF)