On November 9, Pope Francis named Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, as the new preacher of the Papal Household, replacing 90-year-old Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, who held the position for 44 years.

Pope Francis on November 9 appointed Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, as the new preacher of the Pontifical Household, replacing Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, 90, who held this position for 44 years.

Cardinal Cantalamessawho was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis in 2020, has been a Papal Household Preacher since 1980, when he was appointed by St. John Paul II.

His successor is professor of biblical exegesis at the Theological University of Northern Italy in Milan and is now responsible, among other tasks, for giving the Friday meditations of Advent and Lent, as Cantalamessa did for years, serving three popes (John Paul II, Benedict XVI). XVI and Francis) and the Vatican Curia.

Father Pasolini was born on November 5, 1971 in Milan and has just turned 53. According to the Vatican Press Service, he took his final vows in the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Capuchins on September 7, 2002 and was ordained a priest. on September 23, 2006.

The Franciscan holds a doctorate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and was a professor of biblical languages ​​and sacred scriptures at the Interprovincial Theological Institute of the Capuchins Laurentianum in Milan and Venice. He works with the Archdiocese of Milan in the training of religion teachers and with the Italian Conference of Major Superiors.

Father Pasolini is the author of various articles and books on biblical spirituality and is dedicated to preaching retreats and spiritual exercises.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It was translated and adapted by CNA.