Gianfranco Ravasi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Gianfranco Ravasi |
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| President of the Pontifical Council for Culture | |
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Cardinal Ravasi in 2018
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| Appointed | 3 September 2007 |
| Reign ended | 5 June 2022 |
| Predecessor | Paul Poupard |
| Successor | Office abolished |
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| Ordination | 28 June 1966 |
| Consecration | 29 September 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Created Cardinal | 20 November 2010 |
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| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Gianfranco Ravasi |
| Born | 18 October 1942 Merate, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
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| Alma mater | Archiepiscopal seminary of Milan Pontifical Gregorian University Pontifical Biblical Institute |
| Motto | Praedica Verbum ("Preach the Word") — 2 Timothy 4:2 |
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| Styles of Gianfranco Ravasi |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Gianfranco Ravasi (born 18 October 1942) is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church. He is also a biblical scholar, meaning he studies the Bible deeply. He became a cardinal in 2010. From 2007 to 2022, he was the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture. Before that, he led the Ambrosian Library in Milan from 1989 to 2007.
Contents
Biography of Gianfranco Ravasi
Early Life and Family Background
Gianfranco Ravasi was born on October 18, 1942, in Merate, Italy. He was the oldest of three children. His father was a treasury agent who fought in World War II. He was away from the family for a long time. Ravasi once said that his search for something lasting might be linked to his father's absence when he was young. His mother worked as a schoolteacher.
Education and Early Career Path
Before becoming a priest, Ravasi planned to teach Greek and Latin. He studied at the seminary of Milan. Cardinal Giovanni Colombo made him a priest on June 28, 1966. He continued his studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Biblical Institute. During summers, he worked as an archaeologist in places like Syria and Jordan.
Later, he taught about the Old Testament in Milan. From 1989 to 2007, he was the head of the Ambrosian Library. He became well-known for his academic work and for giving popular talks on religious topics.
Roles in the Roman Curia
On September 3, 2007, Ravasi was chosen to lead the Pontifical Council for Culture. This council works to connect faith with modern culture. He was also made an archbishop. Pope Benedict XVI made him a bishop on September 29, 2007.
On November 20, 2010, he became a Cardinal-Deacon. This is a high rank in the Catholic Church. He was also made a member of important church groups. These included the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
In 2013, he led a special retreat for the Pope and other church leaders. He was also one of the cardinals who voted for the new Pope in the 2013 papal conclave. This was the election where Pope Francis was chosen.
He helped organize the Vatican's display at the Venice Biennale in 2013. This art show explored themes like "Creation" and "Re-Creation." He wanted to encourage talks between art and faith. In 2017, he started a group of 37 women to advise the Pontifical Council for Culture. These women came from different backgrounds and gave important advice. In 2021, he became a cardinal priest.
Cardinal Ravasi's Views and Beliefs
Encouraging Dialogue with Others
Cardinal Ravasi has worked to create a space for conversations between believers and non-believers. He wants people to discuss big questions about life. These include questions about good and evil, life after death, and suffering. He believes these talks are important for everyone.
Thoughts on Preaching and Communication
In 2011, Cardinal Ravasi said that sermons in churches needed to be more interesting. He felt they were sometimes boring and not very clear. He suggested that preachers should be more engaging. He also noted that communicating faith can happen in many ways. This includes using short messages, like those on Twitter.
Connecting with Modern Culture
Ravasi often uses examples from modern culture in his speeches. On his Twitter account, he shares prayers and Bible verses. But he also shares thoughts from famous writers like Shakespeare and Mark Twain. He even quoted songs by Lou Reed and David Bowie to mark their deaths. This shows his interest in connecting faith with everyday life and art.
Views on Evolution and Science
Cardinal Ravasi believes that the theory of Evolution can fit with the Bible's message. In 2008, he stated that these ideas are compatible. He also pointed out that the Church never condemned Charles Darwin's work. He sees science and faith as able to exist together.
Importance of Archeology
Ravasi thinks Archeology is very important for understanding our world. He said in 2015 that it helps us see how humans have built on what came before them. It shows that we are always learning from our past.
Promoting Religious Liberty
In 2013, Ravasi spoke about the importance of religious liberty. He said that everyone should have the freedom to practice their beliefs. He also noted that in today's world, people from different religions live side by side. Because of this, respecting each other's beliefs is very important for peace and progress.
Discussion on Women in the Church
Cardinal Ravasi has talked about the possibility of women serving as deacons in the Church. He said it would need careful discussion because of the long history involved. He believes it's important to talk about these topics openly.
Approach to Liturgy and Worship
Ravasi believes that church services, or Liturgy, should always look towards God. He supports the style of worship that came after the Second Vatican Council. He also values the Church's musical traditions as a way to express true worship.
Images for kids
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Cardinal Ravasi's signature
See also
In Spanish: Gianfranco Ravasi para niños
