[1][2] Diego de Arce y Reinoso was born in Zalamea de la Serena on 25 April 1587, the son of Fernando de Arce y Reynoso, Lord of Arce, and his wife Catalina Ávila y Palomares.

Becoming a churchman, he gained the favor of Philip IV of Spain, who appointed him to the Real Cancillería de Granada, the Audiencia de Sevilla, and the Council of Castile.

On 3 Feb 1636, he was consecrated bishop by Fernando Valdés Llano, Archbishop of Granada, with Gaspar Prieto Orduña, Bishop of Alghero, and Miguel Avellán, Auxiliary Bishop of Seville serving as co-consecrators.

He became Grand Inquisitor of Spain on 14 November 1643, holding that position until 1665.

He was long involved in plans to found a school in Zalamea, but the Portuguese Restoration War prevented the beginning of construction of the school until after his death.