Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Catholic Church announced last night andhe death of Monsignor Rafael Leónidas Felipe Núñez, bishop emeritus of the diocese of Barahonawho died at the age of 87 in Santiago de los Caballeros, at 11:44 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
The Conference of the Dominican Episcopate stated that his departure leaves deep regret in the ecclesial community, which recognizes in him a dedicated pastor, close and faithful to his evangelizing mission.
The bishop emeritus of Barahona was hospitalized for several days in Santiago, where he remained in critical condition for the last week.
Monsignor Felipe Núñez was born in Santiago de los Knights on June 10, 1938. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1964, beginning a pastoral career marked by dedication to the communities most in need and by the training of new priests.
He carried out an important part of his ministry in his native diocese (Santiago), where he held relevant functions in vocational ministry, religious education and ecclesial administration, earning the appreciation of priests, nuns and lay people.
On December 2, 1999, he was appointed bishop of Barahona, a role he assumed with notable dedication, promoting social, educational and community projects in one of the most impoverished regions of the country. During his years of episcopal service, he was characterized by his closeness to rural parishes, his conciliatory pastoral style and his commitment to vulnerable sectors. He remained at the head of that diocese until his retirement in 2015.
Throughout his ministerial life, Monsignor Felipe Núñez stood out for his interest in youth evangelization, catechesis and the ongoing formation of the clergy.
He was also a determined promoter of social works linked to health, education and border pastoral care. His pastoral leadership left deep marks on the faithful of Barahona and on the Dominican episcopate, which today mourns his departure.
Funeral itinerary
The Episcopate Conference reported that the funeral services will begin today, Thursday, December 11, in Santiago with the exposition of the body at the San Pius X Seminary at 9:00 in the morning. At 2:00 in the afternoon a mass will be celebrated for the body present and then it will be transferred to the diocese of Barahona. On Friday the funeral Mass and subsequent Christian burial will be celebrated in the crypt of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, in Barahona.
“We thank God for his pastoral fidelity, his generous dedication and his testimony of service to the Church,” the Episcopate expressed in its statement, while inviting everyone to join in prayer for the eternal rest of someone who dedicated more than six decades to the evangelizing mission.
