Rome 09 July 2023: In a significant announcement during the Angelus on 09 July 2023, Pope Francis declared Rev Fr Angel Fernandez Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), as a Cardinal. The declaration came as a recognition of Fr Angel Fernandez Artime’s dedicated service to the Church and his leadership within the Salesian Order.
Fr Angel Fernandez Artime, born on 21 August 1960, is a Roman Catholic Priest hailing from the Salesians of Don Bosco. He was elected as the Rector Major of the Salesians on 24 May 2014, becoming the 10th successor of Don Bosco and the first Spaniard, as well as the third non-Italian, to hold this position. Prior to his election as Rector Major, he served as the Provincial Superior of León, Spain, and Southern Argentina. He was also slated to take possession of the Sevilla Province before assuming his current role.
The newly declared Cardinal has an impressive background, holding a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology, Philosophy, and Pedagogy from the University of Valladolid. Throughout his ministry, Fr Angel Fernandez Artime has made significant contributions to the Salesian Order and worked closely with Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, who later became Pope Francis.
During the announcement of the consistory, Pope Francis revealed that the appointment of new cardinals would take place on 30 September 2023, at the Vatican. The selection of cardinals from different parts of the world reflects the universality of the Church and its mission to proclaim God’s merciful love to all people.
The list of newly appointed Cardinals includes Archbishop Robert Francis Prevost, who serves as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, and Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Other Cardinals appointed include Bishop Stephen Chriw Sau-yan of Hong Kong, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Apostolic Nunzio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre.
Pope Francis emphasized the inseparable bond between the See of Peter and the local Churches worldwide, underscoring the significance of the new Cardinals’ inclusion in the Diocese of Rome.
As the Church prepares for the Synod on Synodality, which will gather representatives from around the globe in October, the appointment of these new Cardinals marks an important step in strengthening the Church’s leadership and promoting its mission of mercy and love.
Let us join in prayer for the new Cardinals, that they may assist Pope Francis in his role as the Bishop of Rome for the good of the faithful worldwide.
(IND Webmaster)
