Fernando Lugo is the president of Paraguay. He gained the presidency after the 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections in Paraguay. He was regarded as the front runner in the lead up to polling day. His victory ends more than 60 years of one-party rule, after the Colorado party's candidate, Blanca Ovelar, conceded defeat.
On April 13, 2009, Lugo has admitted to fathering a child while he was still a Roman Bishop.The Associated Press: Paraguayan bishop-turned-prez admits paternity (April 13, 2009) Ten days later, a judge approved a request from Lugo asking to officially change the boy's name from Guillermo Armindo to Guillermo Fernando Lugo Carrillo.The Associated Press: Illegitimate Son of Paraguay President Adopts Name
Suspended Bishop
Between August 15, 1977, and January 11, 2005, Fernando Lugo was an ordained, Roman Catholic priest. From 1994 until 2005, he was the bishop of San Pedro, Paraguay. It is illegal for a priest to run for the office of president in Paraguay and as a result Lugo asked to resign from the position when he realized his presidential ambitions. The Vatican suspended his title rather than bestowing an outright laicization.
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Fast Facts
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Born
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President of Paraguay
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Leader of the Patriotic Alliance for Change
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Ordained Roman Catholic priest from August 15, 1977, to January 11, 2005
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Asked for a resignation from the priesthood when he decided to run for president
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Resignation request was denied by Pope Benedict XVI
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Has attempted to distance himself from other populist leaders like Hugo Chavez
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Calls himself a moderate
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Fathered a child born in 2007
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Had the child's name changed after admitting the paternity
