[2][3] Bartolomé de Ledesma was born on February 16, 1604, in Salamanca, Spain and ordained a priest in the Order of Preachers.

[3][4][5] On October 20, 1580, Pope Gregory XIII appointed him Bishop of Panamá[4] (some sources state that he did not accept the nomination).

[4] As there was no official governor during his term as bishop of Panama, he was instrumental in governing the province with the Audencia Real (high court).

[2] He reached out to the Cimarrónes (free blacks) who were living outside of the Crown's jurisdiction and facilitated their incorporation into the colony.

[2] He also helped to lessen congestion in Panama City by founding the town of Penonomé and establishing parishes in Natá and Olá.