Fray Tomás de Berlanga

Who was Fray Tomás de Berlanga?

Fray Tomás de Berlanga was the fourth Bishop of Panamá.

Tomas de Berlanga was born in Berlanga de Duero in Soria, Spain. In 1534 he was consecrated bishop of Panama. In 1535, he sailed to Peru to settle a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro over division of territory after the conquest of the Inca Empire. His ship stalled when the winds died and strong currents carried him out to the Galápagos Islands which he thus discovered on March 10, 1535. He sent an account of the adventure and discovery to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain.

When Tomás de Berlanga returned to the Berlanga de Duero from the Galapagos he brought with him a cayman. This cayman measured 3 meters. It is currently on display in the cathedral in Berlanga de Duero.