Vatican City – Today, Pope Leo XIV appointed His Eminence Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, S.D.B., Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, as his Pontifical Legate for the Papal Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi. He succeeds Cardinal Agostino Vallini, who had held the position since 2017.
What is a Pontifical Legate?
A Pontifical Legate is “a papal envoy, his stable representative” to local Churches, ecclesiastical institutions, or civil authorities. In the case of Assisi, the Legate holds no jurisdictional powers — these remain with the local bishop — but acts as a moral and spiritual representative, embodying the direct link between the Basilica and the Apostolic See. He also oversees the relationship between the Holy See and the Basilicas, ensuring that the legacy of St. Francis and the sacred character of the site remain central.
Who is Cardinal Artime?
Born in Asturias, Spain, on August 21, 1960, into a family of fishermen, Artime joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1978, professing first vows that same year and perpetual vows in 1984. He was ordained a priest on July 4, 1987, and went on to teach and serve in formation roles in Spain (Avilés, Ourense), later becoming Provincial Superior in León (2000–2006) and Southern Argentina (2009–2014). In March 2014, he was elected Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, the first Spaniard to hold the position, and was re-elected in 2020. On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis created him Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in via Tuscolana. On January 6, 2025, he was appointed Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life. Today, Leo XIV entrusts him with a further responsibility: he will now represent the Pope in the Basilicas of Assisi.
A Far-sighted Appointment
This appointment appears to be a careful and thoughtful decision, especially considering that the two Basilicas — St. Francis and St. Mary of the Angels — are entrusted respectively to the Conventual Franciscans and the Friars Minor. By assigning this role to the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life, the Pope ensures that he now has a direct and informed perspective on both religious families, fostering a deeper understanding of the dynamics and challenges they face.
p.B.S.
Silere non possum