Antonio José Hurtado

politician

Antonio José Hurtado was a Colombian dentist from Barbosa who famously declared himself Pope under the name 'Pedro II' after the death of Pope Pius XI in 1939. Despite never completing his theological studies due to personal circumstances, he sent multiple telegrams to the Vatican asserting his qualifications for the papacy. When he received no response, he took it upon himself to assume the role, transforming his dental office into 'Vaticano II' and adopting papal vestments. Hurtado gained notoriety for his unconventional practices, including holding blessings, appointing bishops, and publishing a newspaper, all while attracting visits from notable political figures. His self-proclamation led to his excommunication by the Catholic Church, yet he persisted in his papal identity until his death in 1955.