Hernando de Luque

Spanish priest

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June 30, 2026

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Hernando de Luque was a Spanish priest who partnered with Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro to plan expeditions for the discovery and conquest of lands along the west coast of South America. This partnership was formed around 1523, with the goal of finding wealth and expanding the Spanish empire, driven by the pursuit of riches and the spread of Christianity.1

Luque's role was significant in securing the necessary resources and royal permission for these ventures. He was granted authority and privileges in the newly discovered territories, though he held a subordinate position to Pizarro, who was appointed governor and captain general. The expeditions eventually led to the conquest of the Inca empire in what is now Peru.12

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Francisco Pizarro
Discovery and conquest of Peru
…de Almagro, and a priest, Hernando de Luque, he made preparations for a voyage of discovery and conquest down the west coast of South America. Like other Spanish conquistadors of the early 16th century, Pizarro’s efforts were shaped by the pursuit of wealth, imperial expansion, and the spread of Christianity—all…
Read More
…de Almagro, and a priest, Hernando de Luque, he made preparations for a voyage of discovery and conquest down the west coast of South America. Like other Spanish conquistadors of the early 16th century, Pizarro’s efforts were shaped by the pursuit of wealth, imperial expansion, and the spread of Christianity—all…
Read More