Pope appoints new Secretary General of Italian Bishops' Conference
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has appointed Nunzio Galantino, Bishop of Cassano allo
Jonio in Italy’s Southern Calabria region, as interim Secretary General of the Italian
Bishops' Conference (CEI).
The Head of the Vatican Press Office, Father Federico
Lombardi, said that Bishop Galantino will serve as interim Secretary General to replace
Mariano Crociata who was named Bishop of Latina after two mandates at CEI.
Lombardi
explained that the interim appointment was "rendered urgent for the regular work schedule
of the general secretariat and for a number of procedures that require his presence."
He
added that the duration of the mandate has not yet been decided. Lombardi also explained
that Galantino will have to reside in Rome for part of the week but he remains Bishop
of Cassano allo Jonio.
In a letter addressed to the priests and people of that
diocese, Pope Francis expresses his awareness that he has partially deprived them
of the presence of their beloved bishop, and he asks for help and comprehension as
Galantino – he says - is called to serve “in an important mission for the Church in
Italy”.
Nunzio Galantino was born in the Southern town of Cerignola near
Foggia in 1948 and was appointed bishop in December 2011.