Pope Francis has appointed Italian Bishop Nunzio Galantino as head of the body that handles the Vatican’s investment portfolio and its real estate holdings.
The Vatican announced today, 22 June, that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, who turned 75 in February, and has appointed Bishop Galantino as the new president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), in his place.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters last week, Francis highlighted the importance of APSA and said that, following Calcagno’s retirement, he was studying candidates who displayed an “attitude of renewal”.
"A problem that worries me so much is that there is no clarity in the buildings. There are many properties received by donation, or purchase. We must move forward with clarity. This depends on APSA," he said.
“I am studying candidates who have an attitude of renewal, a new person after so many years,” he said. “Calcagno knows the functioning well but perhaps the mentality has to be renewed.”
Bishop Nunzio Galantino, 69, has, since December 2013, served as secretary general of the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI). Prior to that appointment, he led the small Italian diocese of Cassano all’Jonio.
Galantino, known as an ally of Francis, has been vocal in his belief that everyone should “feel at home” in the church, and especially at Mass — including migrants, the disabled, the poor and those in unconventional relationships. He has also said that the church should consider optional celibacy for the priesthood.
Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference said in reaction to the appointment: "The appointment of Monsignor Nunzio Galantino as President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See is a great act of esteem and trust on the part of the Saint. Father. To our general secretary, Pope Francis entrusts a huge responsibility, in an extremely delicate sector."
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