Hugo Zepeda Coll

Hugo Zepeda Coll (born 2 June 1936) is a Chilean lawyer, theologian, former priest, university professor and politician. He served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile from 1961 to 1969, representing the Liberal Party. He has also been a frequent presence on Chilean television.

Biography Early life and education Zepeda was born in Santiago, the son of Hugo Zepeda Barrios and Ana Coll Juliá. He showed an early interest both in politics, following the path of his father and grandfather Gonzalo Zepeda Perry, and in religious and theological studies.

He studied at Escuela No. 1 of Coquimbo, the Liceo de Hombres of La Serena, and the Internado Nacional Barros Arana. He later attended the University of Chile, graduating in law in 1959. Zepeda also worked as a teacher of history and geography in Coquimbo, and of social legislation in La Serena.

Academic career Zepeda has taught philosophy of law, economic and financial ethics, and epistemology at several Chilean universities, including University Finis Terrae, Universidad Andrés Bello, Universidad Mayor, Universidad San Sebastián, Universidad Central, and Universidad Santo Tomás. He is also director of the Fundación Presidente Balmaceda.

Political career Zepeda began his political activity in the Liberal Party, where he held positions in the youth wing: National Councillor for Coquimbo Province (1955), vice president (1958–1959), and president of the University Liberal Group (1956–1967). He also directed the Federation of Students of Chile (FECH). studying theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. He was ordained as a Dominican priest on 15 August 1974, later pursuing theological work in Buenos Aires.