He was created and proclaimed Cardinal-Priest of "Santa Maria Regina Pacis a Monte Verde" in the consistory of 21 February 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
20. decembra 1976 je postal škof Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroña, 12. maja 1989 škof Orihuela-Alicanta in 23. junija 1995 nadškof Toleda.