Francisco Aizpitarte Mendia (Beizama, Gipuzkoa, October 2, 1955) is a Basque Catholic priest linked to the Diocese of San Sebastián, recognized for his pastoral and social commitment and for his nationalist sensitivity within the ecclesiastical sphere.
He was born in Beizama, Gipuzkoa, on October 2, 1955. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1986, in San Sebastián, after completing the necessary ecclesiastical studies for the priesthood. Later, he obtained a degree in Theology from the Faculty of Theology of Northern Spain in Vitoria in 1997.
Throughout his career, he has held various positions within the Diocese of San Sebastián, combining pastoral, educational, and administrative responsibilities. He served as coadjutor of the Parish of San Sebastián de Soreasu in Azpeitia from 1986 to 2000, diocesan chaplain of the Fraternity of the Sick and Disabled since 1990, diocesan delegate for Health Pastoral Care since 1997, and formator at the Diocesan Seminary from 1999. In 2001, he assumed the position of vicar general of the diocese, collaborating with Félix Azurmendi in the pastoral and administrative guidance of the local Church.
He is recognized as a priest with marked nationalist sensitivity, involved in defending the rights and aspirations of the Basque people from a Christian perspective. His positions regarding the Basque conflict and groups linked to nationalism have drawn media attention and debate both inside and outside the Church.
In recent years, Aizpitarte Mendia has focused his work on the social, charitable, and missionary areas of the Diocese of San Sebastián, including responsibilities in the episcopal delegation of Cáritas. This work has reinforced his profile as a priest committed to social action, justice, and the missionary dimension of the Church in the Basque context.