EXHIBIT 23



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-80169) of Popular, Inc. of our report dated
June 20, 2003, relating to the financial statements of Banco Popular de Puerto
Rico Savings and Stock Plan, which appears in this Form 11-K.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
-------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP


San Juan, Puerto Rico
June 20, 2003