Pope Francis on November 9 appointed Fr Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, as the new preacher of the Papal Household, replacing Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, 90, who held that position for 44 years. Cantalamessa, who was elevated to the College of Cardi-nals by Pope Francis in 2020, has been preacher of the Papal Household since 1980, when he was appointed by St. John Paul II. His successor is a professor of biblical exegesis at the Theological University of Northern Italy in Milan and is now tasked with giving the Friday meditations of Advent and Lent, among other tasks, as Cantala-messa did for years, serving three popes (John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis) and the Vati-can Curia.
Pasolini was born on Nov. 5, 1971, in Milan and just turned 53. According to the Vatican Press Office, he made his perpetual vows in the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Capuchin on Sept. 7, 2002, and was ordained a priest on Sept. 23, 2006.