Santos Abril y Castelló facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Santos Abril y Castelló |
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| Cardinal Archpriest emeritus, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore |
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The cardinal in 2013.
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 21 November 2011 |
| Reign ended | 28 December 2016 |
| Predecessor | Bernard Francis Law |
| Successor | Stanislaw Rylko |
| Other posts | Cardinal priest of San Ponziano, Titular Archbishop of Tamada |
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| Ordination | 19 March 1960 |
| Consecration | 16 June 1985 by Agostino Casaroli |
| Created Cardinal | 18 February 2012 |
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| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Santos Abril y Castelló |
| Born | 21 September 1936 Alfambra, Spain |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
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| Motto | Pro Ecclesia cum Petro (For the church with Peter) |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Santos Abril y Castelló |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Santos Abril y Castelló is a Spanish cardinal of the Catholic Church. He was born on September 21, 1935. He has held many important jobs in the Church's diplomatic service and in the Roman Curia, which is like the Pope's government. From 2011 to 2016, he was in charge of a very important church in Rome called the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Santos Abril y Castelló was born in Alfambra, Spain. He became a priest on March 19, 1960. After that, he moved to Rome to continue his studies. He earned special degrees in social sciences and church law. He also attended a special school that trains future diplomats for the Holy See, which is the central government of the Catholic Church.
Serving the Church Around the World
After his studies, Santos Abril y Castelló joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See. This means he worked as a representative for the Pope in different countries, much like an ambassador.
Diplomatic Roles
- He worked in Pakistan and Turkey.
- In 1985, he became the Pope's representative, known as an Apostolic Nuncio, to Bolivia.
- Later, he served as the Pope's representative in Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea starting in 1989.
- From 1996, he was the Nuncio to Yugoslavia.
- In 2000, he became the Nuncio to Argentina.
- From 2003, he served as Nuncio to Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia.
Important Roles in Rome
After many years serving abroad, Santos Abril y Castelló took on key roles within the Vatican in Rome.
Vice-Camerlengo
In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the Vice-Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. This role involves helping to manage the Church's affairs, especially during the time when a new Pope is being chosen.
Archpriest of St. Mary Major
Later in 2011, he was named the Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This means he was the main priest in charge of one of the most important churches in Rome.
Becoming a Cardinal
On February 18, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI made him a Cardinal. Cardinals are very important leaders in the Catholic Church. They advise the Pope and, if they are under 80, they can vote for a new Pope.
Helping to Choose a New Pope
In 2013, Cardinal Abril y Castelló was one of the cardinals who participated in the papal conclave. This was the special meeting where cardinals gathered to elect a new Pope after Pope Benedict XVI retired. They elected Pope Francis.
Vatican Bank Oversight
In 2014, he was chosen to be part of a group of cardinals who oversee the Institute for the Works of Religion, often called the Vatican Bank. He was later elected as the president of this group. This role involved making sure the bank was run properly.
Later Years
Cardinal Abril y Castelló's main roles in the Vatican ended when he turned 80 years old. This is the age when cardinals typically retire from active duties and can no longer vote in a papal conclave. In 2016, Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. In 2022, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal priest.
See also
In Spanish: Santos Abril para niños
