Cardinal Sergio Obeso Rivera, Archbishop emeritus of Jalapa (Mexico), was born in Jalapa, Mexico on 31 October 1931.

After completing his humanistic studies he was sent to Rome where he attended the Pontifical Gregorian University, obtaining a doctorate in theology.

He was ordained a priest on 31 October 1954.

After returning to Mexico, he spent seventeen years in various positions at the seminary (prefect of philosophy, theology, spiritual director and finally rector).

On 30 April 1971 he was elected to the episcopal See of Papantla, receiving episcopal ordination on 29 July.

On 18 January 1974 he was appointed as titular archbishop of Uppenna, and coadjutor with right to succession for the archdiocese of Jalapa. On 12 March 1979 he became archbishop of Jalapa.

On 18 November 1982 he was elected as president of the Episcopal Conference of Mexico for two terms. In 1995 he was elected for the third time.

On 10 April 2007, His Holiness Benedict XVI accepted his resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Jalapa upon reaching the age limit.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 28 June 2018, of the Title of San Leone I.

Cardinal Obeso Rivera died on 11 August 2019.