SOLANO, Juan, Peruvian R. C. bishop, born in Spain about 1504; died in Rome, Italy, in 1580. He became a member of the Dominican order and entered the convent of Salamanca. He was nominated for the bishopric of Cuzco, Peru, by Charles V. in 1543, and consecrated in February, 1544, but found it impossible to enter Cuzco after his arrival, as Gonzalo Pizarro, who had just revolted, held that city. Solano joined the royal army, and was present at the defeat of Huarinas, 20 October, 1547, where he escaped only by the swiftness of his horse. After this defeat Solano joined Pedro de la Gasca (q. v.), accompanied him in his march against Pizarro, and was present at the battle of Sacsahuana, 9 April, 1548, in which the insurgents were defeated. He was now enabled to exercise pastoral functions in Cuzco, and showed much zeal in defending the rights of the Indians, as well as in converting them to Christianity. As the number of sick and poor among them had largely increased in consequence of the civil war. he insisted on the conquerors' expending part of their spoils in relieving the prevailing distress. With the money that he thus obtained he built a hospital in 1552, the first of the kind in Peru. He then endeavored to recall to habits of order the old Spanish veterans, whose excesses and turbulence interfered with his plans for the benefit of the Indians. Not succeeding in his efforts, he determined on a voyage to Spain to implore the aid of the sovereign in reducing these adventurers to obedience. He also wished to obtain a division of his diocese, which he considered too large for the care of a single bishop. After arriving in Spain he laid the reasons for his journey before the court and the council of the Indies, but met with no success. He then went to Rome with the object of interesting Pope Plus IV. in the matter. There too he failed, and, resigning his bishopric in 1561, lie retired into the Dominican convent of St. Mary, where he spent the remainder of his life.