Fortunato Baldelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Fortunato Baldelli |
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| See | Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary |
| Appointed | 2 June 2009 |
| Reign ended | 5 January 2012 |
| Predecessor | James Francis Stafford |
| Successor | Manuel Monteiro de Castro |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Deacon of S. Anselmo all’Aventino, Apostolic Nuncio to France, Apostolic Nuncio to Peru |
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| Ordination | 18 March 1961 |
| Consecration | 23 April 1983 by Agostino Casaroli |
| Created Cardinal | 20 November 2010 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Fortunato Baldelli |
| Born | 6 August 1935 Valfabbrica, Italy |
| Died | 20 September 2012 (aged 77) Rome Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Fortunato Baldelli (born August 6, 1935 – died September 20, 2012) was an important leader in the Catholic Church from Italy. He became a cardinal in 2010. Before that, he worked for the Holy See (the central government of the Catholic Church) as a diplomat for many years, from 1966 to 2009. He also served as the Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary from 2009 to 2012. This role involves dealing with matters of forgiveness and special permissions within the Church.
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Early Life and Education
Fortunato Baldelli was born in Valfabbrica, Italy. He started his studies at the Seminary of Assisi in 1947. A seminary is a special school for people who want to become priests.
He continued his education even after his parents passed away. His brothers and Bishop Placido Nicolini helped him. In 1957, he went to the Major Roman Seminary. He studied at the Pontifical Lateran University. There, he earned a degree called a licentiate in theology. He also got a doctorate in canon law, which is the official law of the Catholic Church.
On March 18, 1961, Baldelli became a priest. From 1961 to 1964, he was a vice-rector at the Minor Seminary of Assisi.
A Career in Diplomacy
In 1964, Fortunato Baldelli began training to become a diplomat for the Holy See. He joined the diplomatic service in 1966. This meant he would represent the Pope and the Catholic Church in different countries.
Early Diplomatic Roles
His first jobs were in Cuba from 1966 to 1970. Then he worked in the United Arab Republic (Egypt) from 1970 to 1974. He also worked in important offices within the Holy See itself.
Becoming an Archbishop and Nuncio
On February 12, 1983, Pope John Paul II made him an archbishop. An archbishop is a high-ranking bishop. He was also appointed as an apostolic delegate to Angola. An apostolic delegate is a representative of the Pope.
Later, on May 4, 1985, he also became the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to São Tomé and Príncipe. A "nuncio" is like an ambassador for the Pope.
Ambassador to Other Nations
Fortunato Baldelli continued his diplomatic work around the world.
- On April 20, 1991, he became the Apostolic Nuncio to the Dominican Republic.
- On April 23, 1994, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Peru.
- On June 19, 1999, he became the apostolic nuncio to France. This was a very important diplomatic position.
Major Penitentiary and Cardinal
On June 2, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary. This is a special court within the Catholic Church that handles matters of conscience and forgiveness.
On October 20, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he would make Fortunato Baldelli a cardinal. Cardinals are very important leaders in the Catholic Church. They advise the Pope and can vote for a new Pope. He officially became a cardinal on November 20, 2010. He was given the title of Cardinal-Deacon of Sant'Anselmo all'Aventino.
In December 2010, Cardinal Baldelli became a member of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. This group helps decide who can become a saint. In January 2011, he also joined another important section of the Holy See.
He retired from his role as Major Penitentiary on January 5, 2012. Archbishop Manuel Monteiro de Castro took over his position.
Cardinal Baldelli passed away on September 20, 2012, in Rome, Italy.
