Francesco Monterisi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Francesco Monterisi |
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| Archpriest Emeritus of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls | |
Monterisi in Sarajevo in 2012
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 3 July 2009 |
| Reign ended | 23 November 2012 |
| Predecessor | Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo |
| Successor | James Michael Harvey |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest 'pro hac vice' of San Paolo alla Regola (2021-) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 16 March 1957 |
| Consecration | 6 January 1983 by Pope John Paul II |
| Created Cardinal | 20 November 2010 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Deacon (2010-21) Cardinal-Priest (2021-) |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Francesco Marco Nicola Monterisi |
| Born | 28 May 1934 Barletta, Kingdom of Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Denomination | Catholic (Roman Rite) |
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| Alma mater | Pontifical Lateran University Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy |
| Motto | Fortitudo mea Dominus |
| Coat of arms |  |
Francesco Marco Nicola Monterisi (born May 28, 1934) is an Italian cardinal in the Catholic Church. He worked for the Holy See (the main government of the Catholic Church) as a diplomat from 1964 to 1998. After that, he held important roles in the Roman Curia (the Vatican's administration) until he retired in 2014.
Early Life and Education
Francesco Monterisi grew up in Barletta, Italy. After finishing his early schooling, he went to a special seminary to study for the priesthood.
University Studies
From 1951 to 1958, he studied at the Pontifical Lateran University. There, he earned a special degree called a doctorate in theology, which is the study of religious faith.
Becoming a Priest
On March 16, 1957, Francesco Monterisi became a priest. He then worked in his home region of Apulia for several years.
Training for Diplomacy
In 1961, he began training to become a diplomat for the Vatican at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. He also earned another doctorate, this time in canon law (church law), in 1964. That same year, he officially joined the Vatican's diplomatic service.
Working as a Nuncio
A Nuncio is like an ambassador for the Pope. They represent the Vatican in different countries.
First Diplomatic Role
On December 24, 1982, Francesco Monterisi was appointed as the Pro-Nuncio to Korea. This meant he was the Pope's representative there. He also became a Titular Archbishop, which is a special title for bishops who don't lead a specific diocese.
Becoming a Bishop
On January 6, 1983, he became a bishop. Pope John Paul II himself led the ceremony.
Important Vatican Roles
In 1990, Monterisi was given a role where he managed the staff for Vatican diplomats and other workers in the Roman Curia.
Nuncio to Bosnia and Herzegovina
On June 11, 1993, Pope John Paul II named him the first Apostolic Nuncio to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was a new and important role.
Roles in the Roman Curia
The Roman Curia is like the central government of the Catholic Church, helping the Pope manage everything.
| Styles of Francesco Monterisi |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Secretary of Congregations
On March 7, 1998, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Secretary of the Congregation for Bishops. This group helps the Pope choose new bishops around the world. While doing this, he was also the secretary for the College of Cardinals.
Papal Conclave of 2005
He played a key role as the secretary during the 2005 papal conclave. This was the special meeting where cardinals chose Pope Benedict XVI as the new Pope.
Other Responsibilities
On December 21, 2002, he became a member of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. This group helps people who are moving or traveling.
Archpriest of a Basilica
On July 3, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Monterisi as the Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. This is one of the most important churches in Rome.
Becoming a Cardinal
On November 20, 2010, he was made a Cardinal-Deacon. Cardinals are the highest-ranking clergy in the Catholic Church after the Pope. He was given the title for the church of San Paolo alla Regola.
On December 29, 2010, he became a member of two more important groups: the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The first deals with Eastern Catholic churches, and the second helps decide who becomes a saint. On October 24, 2012, he was again appointed a member of the Congregation for Bishops.
Papal Conclave of 2013
He was one of the cardinal electors who took part in the 2013 papal conclave. This meeting elected Pope Francis as the new Pope.
Cardinal Priest
After serving as a cardinal deacon for ten years, he chose to become a Cardinal-Priest. Pope Francis confirmed this change on May 3, 2021.
See also
In Spanish: Francesco Monterisi para niños
