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The Bishops' Conference of the Anden nation said the Primate of Bolivia had previously participated in the anniversary celebrations of the Catholic University in Oruro.
Centellas was one of those church representatives in South America whose voice was repeatedly perceived in the media. This was also due to the fact that the clergyman, who was born in a South Bolivian village in 1962, always sided with democracy.
When left-wing populist President Evo Morales broke his promise in 2017 and unconstitutionally enforced a renewed candidacy, Centellas, as the then bishop of Potosí, warned: "We cannot allow populism to turn into a dictatorship bit by bit."
At that time he also spoke in his capacity as chairman of the Bolivian Bishops' Conference.
Mouthpiece of the population
When, in the final phase of the Socialist Luis Arce's presidency, the country's economy had fallen into a serious crisis in 2024, Centella's policies and society called for pulling together. First of all, it is necessary to face the truth.
"Many authorities tell us that everything is fine - but there is nothing okay," he said at the time, speaking from the soul of many compatriots. Centellas repeatedly took on the concerns and hardships of the Bolivian people and made sure that they heard the powerful.
Last year, after Bolivia's left had been clearly voted out after almost 20 years of various socialist governments, the archbishop called on the remaining right-wing candidates to take a reconciliation course before the run-off election: "There is so much talk about the current candidates, but in Bolivia it is above all important that we agree."
More than 60 percent of Bolivians would have voted for change, for security and sense of responsibility. "So far, we haven't heard of it," according to Centellas' criticism.
Voice of common sense
Most recently, he expressed himself on the occasion of the independence celebrations, which traditionally play a major role in many Latin American countries. In the presence of Christian Democratic President Rodrigo Paz, Centellas took a stand on the ongoing domestic political crisis in August.
Faced with road blockades because of high fuel prices, he said: "I believe no government can solve the crisis, but anyone can do something to alleviate it. We must not stand idly by and watch the crisis unfold.”
With the death of Centellas, not only an impressive church career ends. Bolivia loses a reminder, a politically never one-sided voice of common sense. Like no other, he was able to express exactly what drove the population at the right time. He'll be missed.