Birth. March 6, 1950, Batley Carr, diocese of Leeds, England. Son of Arthur and Frances Roche.

Education. He attended St Joseph's Primary School; then, St John Fisher High School; and later, Christleton Hall. From 1969 to 1975, he studied at St Alban's College in Valladolid, Spain, where he obtained a degree in theology from the Comillas Pontifical University. Later, he attended the Pontifical Gregorian University, where he obtained a licentiate in spiritual theology in 1991.

Priesthood. Ordained, July 19, 1975 by William Gordon Wheeler, bishop of Leeds. After three years of work as parish vicar in Barnsley, he became secretary to Bishop Wheeler. At the same time, he was also chaplain of St. John Bosco School in Leeds and vice chancellor of the diocese. He coordinated the Holy Father's visit to York in 1982. For six years he worked as parish vicar of the cathedral and then became pastor of St. Wilfrid parish in Leeds. Further studies in Rome in 1991. For four years he held the position of Spiritual Director at the Venerable English College in Rome. Since 1996 he was secretary general of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Rusticiana and named auxiliary bishop of Westminster, April 12, 2001. Consecrated, May 10, 2001, at the cathedral of the Most Precious Blood, Westminster, by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, archbishop of Westminster, assisted by David Every Konstant, bishop of Leeds, and by Victor Guazzelli, titular bishop of Lindisfarna, auxiliary bishop of Westminster. His episcopal motto is Duc In Altum. President of the Department of Pastoral Affairs of Westminster until 2002. On July 16, 2002, he was named coadjutor bishop of Leeds. Succeeded to the see of Leeds, April 7, 2004. On June 26, 2012, he was appointed secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, with personal title of archbishop. On May 27, 2021, he was named prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. On December 1, 2021, the pope named him member of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. On July 13, 2022, the Holy Father named him member of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the deaconry of S. Saba in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicasteries for Evangelization, for Bishops and for Culture and Education. He took possession of his deaconry on Sunday December 4, 2022, at 10 a.m. On February 25, 2023, the pope named him member of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City.

Birth. November 17, 1951, Nonsan-gun Chungnam, Taejon, South Korea. He was baptized when he was 16 years old. His first name is also listed as Lazzarus and as Lazzaro.

Education. Studied in South Korea and in Rome, obtaining a doctorate in fundamental theology at the Pontifical Lateran University.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 9, 1979, for the diocese of Taejon. He is part of the Focolare Movement. He has been vice-parish priest of the cathedral; director of the Solmoe Retreat House and of the Catholic Center for Education and Diocesan Pastoral Care; and rector and professor in the Major Seminary of Taejon.

Episcopate. Elected coadjutor bishop of Daejeon, July 9, 2003. Consecrated, August 19, 2003, at Chung Mu Gymnasiumby, Daejeon, by Joseph Kyeong Kap-ryong, bishop of Daejeon, assisted by Mathias Ri Iong-hoon, titular bishop of Catabum Castra, and by Joseph Lee Han-taek, S.J., titular bishop of Thibuzabetum. His episcopal motto is Lux Mundi. Succeeded to the see of Daejeon, April 1, 2005. He has visited North Korea several times. Named prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy and at the same time received the title of archbishop-bishop emeritus of Daejeon, June 11, 2021. He left for Rome in July 2021 before starting his five-year term in August 2021. On December 1, 2021, the pope named him member of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. On July 13, 2022, the Holy Father named him member of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the deaconry of Gesù Buon Pastore alla Montagnola in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicasteries for Evangelization, for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and for Bishops. He took possession of his deaconry on Sunday November 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. On February 18, 2023, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. On April 25, 2023, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for the fundamental questions of the evangelization in the world.

Birth. March 1, 1945, Salamanca, Spain.

Education. Joined the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ (L.C.); perpetual vows, December 25, 1965. He attended the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, obtaining degrees in philosophy and theology, and then a diploma as an archivist from the Vatican Secret Archives.

Priesthood. Ordained, November 26, 1969, in Rome, by Cardinal Ildebrando Antoniutti, prefect of the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes. In 1972 he entered the service of the Roman Curia as an assistant in the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; in April 1984, he was moved to the Pontifical Council for the Laity. After that, he was appointed to head the ordinary section of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See; then in June 2004 he became head of the Internet Office of the Holy See. On February 1, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Telecommunications Director of the Vatican City, with the Poste Vaticane, and in August 2013 Pope Francis promoted him to be secretary general of the Governorate of Vatican City State, succeeding Bishop Giuseppe Sciacca. Named secretary general of the Governatorate of Vatican City State, August 30, 2013.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Villamagna di Proconsulare, October 15, 2013. Consecrated, November 15, 2013, at St. Peter's basilica, by Pope Francis, assisted by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the Governatorate of Vatican City State and president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, and by Brian Farrell, L.C., titular bishop of Abitina, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. His episcopal motto is Christus In Vobis Spes Gloriæ. Named president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governatorate of Vatican City State, September 8, 2021; both appointments were effective on October 1, 2021.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the deaconry of S. Maria della Mercede e Sant’Adriano a Villa Albani in that same consistory. He is the first cardinal of his congregation. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life. On Sunday January 29, 2023, at 11:30, he took possession of the deaconry of Santa Maria della Mercede e Sant’Adriano a Villa Albani, Via Basento, 100, Rome. On February 21, 2023, he was decorated Baliff Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion of the Sovereign Order of Malta. On March 6, 2023, the pope named him member of the Council of Cardinals to assist him in the government of the Universal Church.

Birth. December 26, 1958, Sidi Bel Abbès, diocese of Oran, Algeria. He he lived with his parents and his two sisters the painful uprooting of repatriated people after independence. His baptismal name is Jean-Marc Noël.

Education. After his secondary studies at the Lycée Thiers in Marseille, in 1977 he entered the Interdiocesan Seminary of Avignon, where he attended the first cycle of theology; and then at the Séminaire des Carmes in Paris, where he carried out his theological studies at the Institut Catholique, obtaining a doctorate in theology in 2000. He also holds a licentiate in philosophy from the Université Paris I et Paris IV Sorbonne. Received the diaconate on November 12, 1983, from Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, in the church Sainte-Colombe, Villejuif, diocese of Créteil.

Priesthood. Ordained, November 3, 1984, in the cathedral Sainte-Marie-Majeure, called La Major, Marseille, by Louis Dufauxfor; incardinated in the archdiocese of Marseille. Since priestly ordination, he has held the following roles: professor of theology and director of studies at the Interdiocesan Seminary in Marseille and member of the pastoral team of the Saint-Marcel parish in Marseille; episcopal vicar for permanent formation and member of the pastoral team of the Saint-Pierre–Saint Paul parish in Marseille (1987-2007); head of the Service diocésain des vocations and diocesan delegate for seminarians (1991-1996); founder and director of the Institut des sciences et de théologie des religions of Marseille (ISTR) (1992-2002); director of the Institut Saint-Jean, which in 1998 became the Institut Catholique de la Méditerranée, associated with the Faculty of Theology of Lyon (1995-2013); and teacher in the Faculty of Theology of the Université Catholique de Lyon (1997-2007). Since 2007 he has also served as vicar general of Marseille. In addition, from 2008 to 2012 he was consultor to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Simidicca and appointed auxiliary of Marseille, December 19, 2013. Consecrated, January 24, 2014, metropolian cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, Marseille, by Georges Paul Pontier, archbishop of Marseille, assisted by Cardinal Roger-Marie-Élie Etchegaray, archbishop emeritus of Marseille, and by Cardinal Bernard-Louis-Auguste-Paul Panafieu, archbishop emeritus of Marseille. His episcopal motto is Que tout se passe pour moi selon ta Parole. In the French Episcopal Conference he is president of the Council for Interreligious Relations and the new religious currents. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Marseille on August 8, 2019. On July 13, 2022, the Holy Father named him member of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Maria ai Monti in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicasteries for Bishops and for Interreligious Dialog. On Sunday April 23, 2023, he took possession of his title.

Birth March 1, 1963, Amesi, "Aguata Local Government Area", State of Anambra, Nigeria. He is from the Ibo people, who are in the majority in southern Nigeria, and he is not from the Mbaise ethnic group.

Education. After frequenting the local schools, in 1983 he entered the Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, in Ikot-Ekpene and Enugu, where he studied philosophy and theology (1983-1992).

Priesthood. Ordained, August 22, 1992, by Simon Akwali Okafor, titular bishop of Augurus, auxiliary of Awka, and incardinated in the diocese of Awka. After his ordination he was from 1992 to 1995 adjunct secretary of the bishop and procurator of the episcopal residence; from 1993 to 1995 member of Aguata Local Goverment Education; from 1995 to 1997 superior studies at CIWA, Port Harcourt; from 1997 to 1999 chaplain at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and financial administrator of the diocese; from 1999 to 2002 superior studies in canon law at Università della Santa Croce, Rome; from 2002-2011 chancellor of the diocese of Awka, secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, secretary of the Presbyteral Council and of the College of Deans, diocesan examiner; from 1995 member of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria; from 2002 member of the College of Consultors; from 2005 member of the Committee for the Creation of the Dioceses; from 2007 judge of the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Onitsha; from pastor of Sts. John and Paul Parish, Umubele, Awka.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Ahiara, December 7, 2012. Consecrated, May 21, 2013 at Ulakwo, chapel of Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary, by Anthony John Valentine Obinna, archbishop of Owerri, assisted by Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, archbishop of Jos, and by Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, archbishop of Abuja. He was at the center of a six-year conflict in his former diocese of Ahiara where some of the priests and laity stubbornly rejected him on ethnic grounds and made it impossible for him to assume his office. The local clergy and people prevented him from entering the cathedral to take possession of the diocese. Pope Francis demanded that the rebellious priests send letters of apology for their behavior. But they still rejected the bishop. Bishop Okpaleke submitted his resignation and the pope accepted it on February 19, 2018. Transferred to the see of the new diocese of Ekwulobia, March 5, 2020; installed, April 29, 2020 at Saint Joseph’s cathedral.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of Ss. Martiri dell’Uganda a Poggio Ameno in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and the Life. He took possession of his title on Sunday February 5, 2023, at noon.

Birth. January 20, 1953, Aldona, Goa, India.

Education Initial priestly studies at the Minor Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne, Goa; then, studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Seminary of Poona. Obtained the license in Biblical theology at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, (1988) and the license in catechesis and pastoral theology at the International Institute Lumen Vitae in Brussels (1991). He speaks Konkani, English, Portuguese, Italian, French and German.

Priesthood. Ordained, October 28, 1979, at St. Thomas Church, Aldona, Goa. Parochial vicar at Salvador do Mundo parish (December 1979 to May 1980); pastoral course at the Pastoral Institute St. Pius X, Old goa, July 1980 to May 1981; assistant pastor at the parish of Chinchinim, Goa, July 1981 to May 1984; prefect and professor at the Minor Seminary Nostra Signora in Saligao-Pilerne (June 1984 to May 1986); first director of the Vocation Commission for Diocesan Clergy, archdiocese of Goa and Daman (1984-1986). Further studies in Rome and Brussels, 1986-1991). Diocesan director of the Center for the apostolate of Lay Apostolate (1991-1994); ecclesiastical advisor of St. Luke’s Medical Guild (1992-1994); convenor of the Team for Transfers of Priests (1992-1997) episcopal vicar of the archdiocese of di Goa, 1992-1997.

Episcopate Elected titular bishop of Vanariona, January 25, 1994 and appointed auxiliary of Goa e Damão. Consecrated, April 10, 1994 at the cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, at Old Goa, by Raul Nicolas Gonsalves, archbishop of Goa e Damão, patriarch of the East Indies, assisted by Aleixo das Neves Dias, bishop of Port Blair, and by Ferdinand Joseph Fonseca, titular bishop of Aquae in Mauretania. His episcopal motto is Tim sogllim ek zaum --- May they all be one, (John 17.21). In the Episcopal Conference, he has occupied different posts: president of Commission of Giustizia, Pace e Sviluppo (1995); president of the Commission for the Lay (1998-2002). On January 16, 2004, he was promoted to the metropolitan see of Goa e Damão with the title patriarch ad honorem of the Oriental Indies, primate of the East and titular archbishop of Cranganore. On January 12, 2019, he was elected president of the Indian Episcopal Conference of Latin Rite (CCBI) during its 31st Plenary Assembly.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Maria in Via in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery of Evangelization. On April 25, 2023, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for the fundamental questions of the evangelization in the world.

Birth. February 5, 1954, San Francisco, California, United States of America. One of the five children of Walter and Roberta McElroy. He is the fifth-generation San Franciscan. He grew up in San Mateo county.

Education. After attending Saint Joseph Minor Seminary, he obtained a bachelor's in history at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1975; and master's degree in history at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California in 1976. He completed his ecclesiastical studies at Saint Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, California (where he earned a M.Div. degree). Later, he obtained the license in theology at the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California in 1985. Successively, he earned a doctorate in moral theology from the Gregorian University in Rome in 1986 and a doctorate in political sciences from Stanford University in 1989.

Priesthood. Ordained, April 12, 1980, by John Raphael Quinn, archbishop of San Francisco, for the archdiocese of San Francisco. After his priestly ordination he was parochial vicar of Saint Cecilia parish in San Francisco (1980-1982); personal secretary of Archbishop Quinn and cerimoniere (1982-1985); parochial vicar of Saint Pius parish in Redwood City (1989-1995); general vicar (1995-1997); pastor of Saint Gregory parish in San Mateo and archdiocesan consultor (1997-2010). In 1996 he was named prelate of honor of His Holiness.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Gemelle di Bizacena and appointed auxiliary of San Francisco, July 6, 2010. Consecrated, September 7, 2010, at the cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, by George Hugh Niederauer, archbishop of San Francisco, assisted by John Raphael Quinn, archbishop emeritus of San Francisco and by John Charles Wester, bishop of Salt Lake City. His episcopal motto is Dignitatis Humanae. On March 3, 2015, he was named bishop of San Diego, California. In 2021, he underwent coronary bypass surgery late last year, which, according to the diocese, was successful.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Frumenzio ai Prati Fiscali in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicasteries for the Laity, the Family and the Life and for the Service of Integral Human Development. On Sunday April 23, 2023, he took possession of his title.

Birth. November 27, 1967, Venilale, diocese of Baucau, East Timor (or Timor-Leste).

Education. After primary and secondary studies with the Salesians Fathers in Fatumaca, he entered the Salesian Society of Saint Giovanni Bosco. He was sent to study philosophy and theology in Manila. He emitted his first profession as a Salesian on May 31, 1990; and the perpetual one on March 19, 1997.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 18, 1998. From 1999-2004, formator of novices; from 2004-2005: economous of the House of Formation in Venilale and parochial vicar; 2005-2007: studies in Rome for the license in spirituality at the Pontifical Salesian University; 2007-2014: master of novices; 2009-2014: director of the Salesians' House and of the Don Bosco Tecnnical High School in Fatumaca. In 2015, he was elected provincial of his Salesian province.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Dili, Oriental Timor, January 30, 2016. Consecrated, March 18, 2016, outdoors at Tasi Tolu, Dili, by Joseph Salvador Marino, titular archbishop of Natchitoches, apostolic nuncio to East Timor, assisted by Basilio do Nascimento, bishop of Baucau, and by Norberto Do Amaral, bishop of Maliana. His episcopal motto is Ad Deum Patrem Oomnipotentem. Promoted to the new metropolitan see of Dili, September 11, 2019. He is vice president of the national bishops’ conference.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Alberto Magno in that same consistory. He is the first cardinal of East Timor. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life. On May 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., he took possession of his title.

Birth. September 1, 1950, Lenno, province and diocese of Como, Italy. He moved with his family to the nearby village of Tremezzo at the age of eight.

Education. After having frequented the Liceo Classico at Collegio Gallio of Como of the Somaschan Fathers and obtained the maturity, he entered the Seminary of Como to start the courses of theology which he completed brilliantly. He collaborated with the Riviste di spiritualità, in which he published articles about vocations. He also published several books for the youth. He has no academic degrees, but has always continued to keep up to date in the cultural field.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 28, 1975, in the cathedral of Como, by Teresio Ferraroni, bishop of Como. During his priestly ministry he was from 1985 to 1986 responsible at the seminary of the vocational animation; collaborator in the parish of S. Maria Regina a Como; chaplain of the Sisters at Collegio S. Chiara in Muggiò; from 1986 to 1999, he was director of the Vocational Diocesan Center and professor of religion in the secondary schools of Como; from 1990 to 2005, he was spritual director of the theological students in the Diocesan Seminary; preacher of spiritual exercises to priests and founder in the diocese of the Ordo Virginum, an association of consecrated virgins restored by the Second Vatican Council, which contributed to the birth and development of the diocese of Como. On July 11, 2000, he was named prelate of honor of His Holiness. From 2003 to 2005, he was episcopal vicar for the clergy of Como.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Crema, January 25, 2005. Consecrated, March 5, 2005, at the cathedral of Como, by Alessandro Maggiolini, bishop of Como, assisted by Tersio Ferraroni, bishop emeritus of Como, and by Paolo Romeo, titular archbishop of Vulturia, apostolic nuncio to Italy. His episcopal moto is Fare di Cristo il Cuore del Mondo. On November 21, 2010 he received the insignia of grand officer of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and was appointed the grand prior of the lieutenancy for Northern Italy by decree of Cardinal John Patrick Foley, grand master of the order. Transferred to the see of Como, October 4, 2016; he took possession of the see the following November 27. He is delegate for the vocational pastoral and the seminaries of the Lombardian Episcopal Conference. On August 31, 2017, during the celebrations for the solemnity of Sant'Abbondio, he announced the celebration of the eleventh diocesan synod of Como, entitled "Witnesses and heralds of God's mercy"; after having inaugurated it, on January 12, 2020, he presided over the concluding Eucharistic celebration on June 4, 2022. He has drawn criticism for his role in a pre-seminary sponsored by the Como diocese, previously located on Vatican grounds until it was moved by Pope Francis, in which abuse allegedly occurred. He was summoned to testify before a Vatican tribunal in February 2021 in the case, among other things about his role in ordaining one of the alleged (but eventually acquitted) abuser to the priesthood. The court found that while there was clearly a sexualized atmosphere in the pre-seminary, it wasn’t proven the behavior at issue constituted abuse. For his part, he conceded that he had received negative reports about the future priest between 2006 and 2012, but he described them merely as evidence of a “transitory homosexual tendency linked to adolescence.” On July 13, 2022, the Holy Father named him member of the Dicastery for Bishops. He is commendatore with plaque, of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; and grand prior for northern Italy of the same order.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Maria «Regina Pacis» a Monte Verde in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for Bishops. He took possession of his title on Thursday December 8, 2022, at 5 p.m.

Bibliography. He has published: Ragazzi nuovi per un mondo nuovo. Proposta di catechesi per l'anno di iniziazione alla cresima. Schede per il ragazzo, Brescia, Queriniana, 1974; La tua vita. Sussidio vocazionale per ragazzi, Bologna, Dehoniane, 1981; Grida la tua speranza. Lettere ai giovani, Milano, Àncora, 1985; ... E brillerà la tua luce. Strumento di lavoro per i giovani che chiedono la direzione spirituale, Milano, Àncora, 1990; Il volume è giunto alla 4ª edizione: E brillerà la tua luce. Direzione spirituale. Guida per i giovani, Milano, Àncora, 2000; La direzione spirituale in vista dell'orientamento vocazionale, Como, Diocesi di Como, 1996; Direzione spirituale e accompagnamento vocazionale. Teologia e scienze umane a servizio della vocazione (con Dino Bottino e altri), Milano, Àncora, 1996; Direzione spirituale, maturità umana e vocazione (a cura del Centro Nazionale Vocazioni), Milano, Àncora, 1997; Sentieri di gioia (in appendice: "Discorso di Giovanni Paolo II ai giovani"), Milano, Àncora, 1998; Diventare padri nello Spirito. La formazione delle guide spirituali (a cura del Centro Nazionale Vocazioni), Milano, Àncora, 1999; Il discernimento spirituale (con Marko Ivan Rupnik e altri), in Credere oggi. Dossier di orientamento e aggiornamento teologico, n. 1, vol. 22 (gennaio-febbraio 2002), pp. 3–140; Come luce d'aurora... Un cammino di fede per diventare cristiani, Cinisello Balsamo, Edizioni San Paolo, 2003; Fare di Cristo il cuore del mondo. Per una comunione di intenti, Crema, Diocesi di Crema, 2005 (lettera d'ingresso in diocesi, pubblicata come supplemento al settimanale Il Nuovo Torrazzo del 24 settembre 2005); Ti scrivo da amico. Lettera a chi cerca..., Crema, Centro Editoriale Cremasco, 2007; La maturazione della risposta vocazionale al celibato nella formazione seminaristica, in Roberto Balletta e Andrea Mardegan (a cura di), Sacerdozio e celibato nella Chiesa, Milano, Centro Ambrosiano, 2007.

Birth. November 15, 1961, in the village of Chindhukur, diocese of Nellore (now diocese of Kurnool), federal state of Andhra Pradesh, in the central-oriental part of the Republic of India. From a Catholic family of Telugu etnia that belonged to the Dalit social group, the most disadvantaged in the Indian cast system. He is one of the six children of P. C. Anthony and Arogyamma Poola. He was baptized on November 20, in the Holy Family church of Poluru.

Education. In 1967, he began his primary education in the Zillah Parished of his native village, and then continued from 1972 at the Z.P.H. School in Gadivemula, where he remained until 1975. He moved to Kurnool in 1977, first attending high school at St. Mary's School until 1979 and then the minor seminary, where he obtained his diploma in 1980; the same year he began his bachelor's degree studies at Coles Memorial College, continuing his high school studies from 1982 at S.T.B.C. College, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics in 1985. Feeling maturing his vocation to the priesthood, shortly afterwards he began a one-year orientation course at St. Paul's Seminary in Nuzvid, and then moved in 1986 to St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore, where he obtained a doctorate in philosophy the following year; after a brief period of study at St. Joseph's Junior College in Kadapa, where he remained from 1987 to 1988, he returned to the seminary in Bangalore, earning a Bachelor of Theology, after four years. He speaks Telugu, a language spoken by more than 75 million people, especially in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Priesthood. Ordained, February 20, 1992, St. Mary's cathedral a Kadapa, incardinated in the diocese of Cuddapah. After his priestly ordination, from 1992-1993: he was parochial vicar in St. Mary’s cathedral; from 1993-1994: parochial vicar in Amagampalli; from 1994-2001: pastor of several parishes; 1994-1995 in Tekurpet; 1995-2000 in Badvel; 2000-2001 in Veerapalli. In 2001, he moved to the United States of America where he spent a year in Kalamazoo to study clinical pastoral education (CPE) in the pastoral and education department of Bronson Methodist Hospital, while serving in St. Joseph's Catholic church; in 2002, he moved to Chicago to attend the Religion and Theological Commitment course at Loyola University, earning a master's degree and working in St. Genevieve Catholic church. Returning to India in 2003, in the diocese of Cuddapah he was appointed consultor, secretary for education, vice-administrator of schools and coordinator of the Sponsorship Program; he also became coordinator of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, being promoted to director in 2004. He held these positions until his promotion to the episcopate. A native speaker of Telugu, he can speak and write in Hindi and know Tamil and Kannada. Passionate about music, he also wrote the lyrics of the following songs in his native language: "Sneha Sravanthi", "Divya Kanthi" Saraagam, "Jeevanaraagam" Nene Neevai, "Amrutha Varshini".

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Kurnool, February 8, 2008. Consecrated, April 19, 2008, on the grounds of JMJ College, by Marampudi Joji, archbishop of Hyderabad assisted by Kagithapu Mariadas, archbishop of Visakhapatnam, and by Gali Bali, bishop of Guntur; he took possession of the diocese on that same day in the Our Lady of Lourdes cathedral. His episcopal motto is Good news to the poor. In the Telugu Catholic Bishops Conference (TCBC), in 2008, he was elected president of the Commission for Young People and the Commission for backward castes, concluding these mandates in 2015; and of the Society of Social Services of Andhra Pradesh, until to 2020. In 2014 he was then elected general secretary, treasurer and secretary of the priestly community of TCBC itself, president of the Sikh Village Campus and president of the Jeevan in-state Printing Press, concluding all these offices in 2020. On November 19, 2020, he was promoted to the metropolitan see of Hyderabad; he took possession of the archdiocese during a ceremony held in St. Joseph's cathedral on January 3, 2021. On June 29, 2021, the day of the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, he went to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where the pontiff handed over the pallium, a symbol of communion between the pomtiff and the metropolitan, which was imposed on him in a subsequent celebration in his archdiocse.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of Ss. Protomartiri a Via Aurelia Antica in that same consistory. He is the first Dalit — member of the “untouchable” caste — cardinal (1). He will represent one of the poorest regions of the subcontinent. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for the Service of the Integral Human Development.

Birth. July 20, 1967, Valença, diocese of Valença, Brazil. Son of Geraldo Manoel da Costa Amaral and Maria Alice Miranda Amaral.

Education. Studied philosophy at the Seminary Nossa Senhora do Amor Divino in Petrópolis and theology at the Superior Institute of Theology of the metropolitan archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. Later, he obtained the license and the doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. From 1996 to 2001 he did master's studies and defended the dissertation Monarquia e Trias em Dionísio de Roma e Dionísio de Alexandria. In 1998, he started his doctorate and defended the thesis Salvatoris Disciplina. Dionisio de Roma e a Regula Fidei no debate teológico do terceiro século.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 5, 1992, at the cathedral Nossa Senhora da Glória, by Elias James Manning, O.F.M. Conv., bishop of Valença, incardinated in the diocese of Valença. During his priestly minister he was parochial vicar in Paraíba do Sul (1993); pastor of the parish of São Sebastião dos Ferreiros in Vassouras (1994-1996); pastor of the parish of Santa Rosa de Lima in Valença (2001-2006); director and professor of the Department of Theology of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (2007-2010); rector of the Interdiocesan Seminary Paulo VI and director of the Institute of Philoophy and Theology Paulo VI in Nova Iguaçu (2006-2010).

Episcopate. On November 24, 2010 he was named titular bishop of Esco and appointed auxiliary of the metropolitan archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. Consecrated, February 5, 2011, at the cathedral of São Sebastião, Rio de Janeiro, by Orani João Tempesta, O.Cist., archbishop of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, assisted by Elias James Manning, bishop of Valença, and by Karl Josef Romer, titular bishop of Columnata. His episcopal motto is Omnia Sustineo Propter Electos. In the archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, he held the following positions: general vicar; animator of the Suburban Episcopal Vicariate; of the Administration; Legal Sector, Attorney's Office; missions; Higher Institute of Canon Law; university pastoral; Science and Faith Academy; Dom Eugênio de Araújo Sales Cultural Center; Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Archdiocese; Students Abroad; member of the University Council of PUC-Rio and Fundação Maintainer Padre Anchieta. Professor at the São José Archdiocesan Seminary and at PUC-Rio. On June 25, 2011, he was named of the Episcopal Pastoral Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith of the CNBB. On June 22, 2016, he was named bishop of São Carlos; took possession of the diocese on the following August 6. In the Brazilian Episcopal Conference he has been member of the Permanent Council and of the Episcopal Commission for Culture and Education. On April 20, 2020, he was named member of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity and of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. On October 21, 2020, he was promoted to the metropolitan see of Brasília.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of Ss. Bonifacio ed Alessio in that same consistory. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity and of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He took possession of his title on Fiday October 7, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.

Birth. June 21, 1959, Tom-Zendagangn, diocese of Wa, Ghana. From a Catholic family. Son of Bartholomew Baawobr (+ 1963) and Theresa Bagrvial. She remarried Flaviano Maalo and they had a son, Chrysantus Ekpaa Maalo, who became a priest of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.

Education. He frequented the elementary school of his village and continued his studies at St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary and at Nandom Secondary School. In 1979, he entered the diocesan St. Victor Major Seminary in Tamale; after his philosophy studies, in 1981 he joined the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr.), where he continued his studies to prepare for the priesthood. From 1981 to 1982 did his novitiate in Fribourg, Switzerland. Successively, from 1982 to 1987, he completed the theological studies at the Missionary Institute London (MIL). On December 5, 1986, he emitted his religious vows at St. Edward’s College of London.

Priesthood. Ordained, July 18, 1987. From 1987-1991: he was parochial vicar in Livulu, archdiocese of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; 1991-1996: studied exegesis at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, and Ignatian spirituality at Le Chatelard in Lyon, France, where he obtained a license in Sacred Scriptures and a doctorate in Biblical Theology; 1996-1999: formator of the Missionaries of Africa in Kahangala, Tanzania; 1999-2004: director of the house of formation of Toulouse, France; 2004-2010: first general assistant of the Missionaries of Africa; May 31, 2010 to 2016: superior general of the Missionaries of Africa (first African to occupy that charge); vice grand chancellor of the Pontifical Institute of Arabic-Islamic Studies (PISAI). He was chosen by the Union of Superiors General to participate in the Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family, October 4 to 25, 2015.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Wa, February 17, 2016. Consecrated, May 7, 2016, at Wa Sports Stadium, Wa, by Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council “Iustitia et Pax”, assisted by Philip Naameh, archbishop of Tamale, and by Jean-Marie Antoine Joseph Speich, titular archbishop of Sulci, apostolic nuncio to Ghana. On July 4, 2020, he was named member and consultor of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. On July 30, 2022, he was elected president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Maria Immacolata di Lourdes a Boccea in that same consistory. He was absent in the consistory in St. Peter's due to an illness contracted on arrival in Rome. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

Birth. June 25, 1957, Singapore. From an ethnic Chinese family.

Education. He frequented the Montfort Secondary School, where he obtained the diploma of high school. He completed his philosophical studies at the Major Seminary of Penang (College General), Malaysia, and the theological studies at the Major Seminary of Singapore. He is a fluent Mandarin speaker.

Priesthood. Ordained, May 1, 1985, for the archdiocese of Singapore. From 1985-1990: he was parochial vicar of Holy Cross, in Singapore; from 1990-1992: he studied for the license in theology at the Gregorian University, Rome; from 1992-1993: he was pastor of St. Anne, Singapore; from 1992-2005: he was professor and formator at the Major Seminary of Singapore; from 2005: he was rector of the Major Seminary of Singapore. He was member of the presbyteral senate, member of the college of consultors, member of the diocesan council for the promotion of vocations and spiritual director of the Catholic Center of Spirituality of the archdiocese.

Episcopate Elected archbishop coadjutor of Singapore, December 29, 2012. Consecrated, Singapore Expo, by Leopoldo Girelli, titular archbishop of Capri, apostolic nuncio to Singapore, assisted by Nicholas Chia Yeck Joo, archbishop of Singapore, and by Murphy Nicholas Xavier Pakiam, archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. His episcopal motto is Ut Vivant. His consecration was attended by the president of the Republic of Singapore, Tony Tan Keng Yam, the deputy prime minister Teo Chee Hean, the chief justice of Singapore Sundaresh Menon, state dignitaries, twenty bishops, more than 170 priests and an estimated 14,000 Roman Catholics, together with representatives of the major religions in Singapore. On May 20, 2013, he succeeded to the see of Singapore. He prioritizes pastoral outreach to migrants. On April 1, 2015, he was appointed a member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Maria «Regina Pacis» in Ostia mare in that same consistory. He is the first cardinal of Singapore. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and the Life. On Sunday April 23, 2023, he took possession of his title.

Birth. July 8, 1951, Asunción, Paraguay. He is the second of the four children of Aurelio Martínez Barúa and Esmeralda Flores Eisenhut.

Education. He studied economics at the National University of Asunción for three years and then studied advanced English in Washington, D.C., and then philosophy at Oblate College there. In 1977, he moved to Frascati, Italy, to study at the International School for Priests of the Focolare Movement. He completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, from 1977 to 1981. He was ordained a deacon by Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley, O.F.m.Cap, On April 7, 1985, in Saint Croix, Virgin Islands.

Birth. June 7, 1974, in Cuneo, Italy.

Education. He was part of the scouts, practiced fencing and graduated at a classical lyceum. From 1993 to 1995, he studied philosophy at the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy. From 1995 to 1998, he studied theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. From 2000 to 2006, he completed further studies at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, obtaining the license and the doctorate in missionology. On June 24, 2000, he emmited the perpetual profession as member of the Institute of Consolata Missionaries (I.M.C.).

Priesthood. Ordained, May 26, 2001. Pastoral work in Arvajhėėr, Mongolia (2000-2003); from 2003: he was assigned to the Mission in Mongolia (he was the first missionary of the I.M.C. in Mongolia); from 2016: regional counselor of Asia, superior for Mongolia and pastor of Arvajhėėr. He has been an exorcist for more than 20 years.

Episcopate On April 2, 2020, he was named apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with episcopal character and the titular see of Castra Severiana. Consecrated, August 8, 2020, shrine of La Consolate, Turin, by Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, assisted by Cesare Nosiglia, archbishop of Turin, and by Cardinal Severino Poletto, archbishop emeritus of Turin. His episcopal motto is Respicite ad eum et illuminamini.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Giuda Taddeo Apostolo in that same consistory. He is the first cardinal of his religious institute and of Mongolia, which has fewer than 1,500 Catholics. On October 7, 2022, the pope named him member of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Birth. Sunday March 29, 1942, Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Education. After completing his primary and secondary education, he obtained a bachelor's degree from the Minor Diocesan Seminary of Floridablanca. He studied philosophy at the Javeriana Pontifical University, Bogotá, where he obtained a bachelor's degree; then, he studied theology at the Major Seminary of Valmaría of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists) in Bogotá; and social sciences at the Latin American Institute of Social Studies in Santiago de Chile, where he earned a doctorate. In 1959 he joined the Congregation of Jesus and Mary and did his solemn profession and took his vows on May 17, 1964.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 17, 1967, in Bucamaranga, by Héctor Rueda Hernández, archbishop of Bucaramanga. Obtained the license in philosophy at the Javeriana Pontifical University, Bogotá. Started his ministry as professor of the Major Seminary of Santa Rosa de Osos; formator at the Eudista Seminary of Valmaría in Bogotá; responsible of the charitable section of the Eudista community of "El minuto de Dios" in Bogotá,; director of studies of the Instituto Teológico-Pastoral del CELAM in Medellín; provincial superior of his congregation in Colombia; from 1989 to 1991, he was secretary of the Latin American Confederation of Religious.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Zipaquirá, November 9, 1992. Consecrated, Saturday December 12, 1992, at the cathedral of Zipaquira, by Cardinal Mario Revollo Bravo, archbishop of Bogotá, assisted by Paolo Romeo, titular archbishop of Vulturia, apostolic nuncio to Colombia, and by Juan Francisco Sarasti Jaramillo, C.J.M., bishop of Barrancabermeja. From 1995 to 1999 he was secretary general of the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) and from 1999 to 2003, its president. On November 12, 2002, he was kidnapped by six suspected guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the country's largest rebel group; Father Desiderio Orjuela was kidnapped and release with the bishop. He has been member of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral of Health Care Workers and of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. On February 6, 2004 he was named coadjutor archbishop of Cartagena; took possession on the following April 15. On Monday October 24, 2005, he was named archbishop of Cartagena; installed, November 4, 2005; occupied the post until March 25, 2021; apostolic administrator of Cartagena until the following May 22.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Dorotea in that same consistory. He was older than eighty years at the time of his promotion to the cardinalate and thus not eligible to participate in a conclave. He is the first cardinal of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary.

Birth. July 18, 1942, San Giorgio Canavese, diocese of Ivrea, province of Turin, Italy.

Eduacation. After his studies at the Seminary of Ivrea and the preparatory year at the Seminary of Turin, he frequented the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, obtaining licenses in theology and Sacred Scriptures.

Priesthood. Ordained, September 23, 1967, parish church of Santa Maria Assunta in San Giorgio Canavese, by Luigi Bettazzi, bishop of Ivrea. He was parish vicar, then parish priest in Ivrea; he was director "Casa dell’Ospitalità" in the same center, and the Alpine "Gino Pistoni" in Gressoney-St. Jean. In 1980 he held the position of vicar for pastoral care and from 1981 to 1992 that of vicar general of Ivrea, during the episcopate of Bishop Bettazzi. He was also a professor of Sacred Scriptures at the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy, National Deputy Assistant of the Scouts and General Assistant of AGESCI, Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of Infinite Love.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Iglesias, March 25, 1992. Consecrated, April 25, 1992, at the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Ivrea, by Luigi Bettazzi, bishop of Ivrea, assisted by Ottorino Pietro Alberti, archbishop of Cagliari, and by Giovanni Cogoni, bishop emeritus of Iglesias. His episcopal motto is Gaudium vestrum impleatur. Transferred to the see of Ivrea, February 20, 1999. Secretary of the Piedmontese Episcopal Conference and president of the Scientific and Organiztional Committee of the Social Weeks of the Italian Catholics. On February 25, 2012, he was promoted to the metropolitan see of Cagliari; took possession of the see on the following April 18; he was aposrolic administrator of Ivrea yntil the taking of possession of his succesor, Bishop Edoardo Aldo Cerrato, on the following October 7. On June 29, 2012 he received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's basilica in the Vatican. On September 3, 2012 he was elected president of the Sardinian Bishops' Conference. On July 18, 2017, at the age of 75, he submitted his resignation from the pastoral government of the archdiocese due to having reached the age limit; in September the apostolic nunciature in Italy communicated to him the decision of Pope Francis to confirm him for another two years at the head of the archdiocese. On November 16, 2019, the pope accepted his resignation; he was succeeded by Giuseppe Baturi, of the clergy of Catania, until then undersecretary of the Italian Episcopal Conference. He remained as apostolic administrator of the archdiocese until the taking of possession of his successor, which took place on the following January 5 2020. He was decorated Gran Priore for Italy Sardinia and Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; and Gran Priore for Italya Sardinia and Grand Knight of Grand Cross of Ecclesiastical Grace of the Sacred Military Order Costantiniano di San Giorgio (House of Borbon-Two Sicilies).

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Clemente in that same consistory. He was older than eighty years at the time of his promotion to the cardinalate and thus not eligible to participate in a conclave. Took possession of his title on Wednesday November 23, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.

Birth. July 5, 1942, in Rome, Italy.

Education. He worked at Fiat while studying at La Sapienza University of Rome and earned a doctorate in jurisprudence there in 1966. In that same year, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Completed his theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.

Birth. February 6, 1942, Montecalvello, a hamlet of Viterbo, then in the diocese of Bagnoregio, Italy.

Education. Studied at the Minor Seminary of Bagnoregio and at the Major Seminary of Viterbo.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 28, 1966, Sipicciano (VT), diocese of Viterbo by Bishop Luigi Rosa. Obtained the license in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1967. In 1977, he obtained the doctorate in Sacred Scriptures from the Pontifical Biblical Institute of Rome with a philological thesis on the book of the Profet Michea. During his priestly ministry from 1971 to 1984 he was pastor of Spicciano and at the same time professor of Sacred Scriptures in several theological institutes: Pontifical Gregorian University (as assistant); La Quercia Regional Seminary, Viterbo; at several institutes of religious science (Albano, Civita Castellana, Viterbo), Studentato teologico internazionale dei Giuseppini del Murialdo in Viterbo and of the salesians in Terrasanta. In 1983, he was named to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and from 1997 to 2014, he was its undersecretary. On March 18, 1999, he was named prelate of honor of His Holiness. In 2013, he was named canon of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter's in the Vatican; and in 2022, he became camerlengo of the chapter of Saint Peter's in the Vatican. He also held the position of spiritual assistant to personnel in the Directorate of Health and Hygiene in the Vatican; spiritual assistance to various monasteries of nuns; and chaplain of the football team A.S. Rome. His bibliographical publications currently count 123 titles in particular in the biblical field. Cerimoniere of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, January 20, 2015.

Episcopate. Elected titular of Treba, June 7, 2022. He was consecrated on July 23, 2022 in St. Peter's Basilica by Cardinal Mauro Maria Gambetti, O.F.M. Conv., archpriest of St. Peter's Vatican basilica and president of the Fabric of St. Peter, assisted by Edgar Robinson Peña Parra, titular archbishop of Telepte, substitute of the Secretariat of State, and by Jesús Esteban Catalá Ibañez, bishop of Málaga, Spain. His episcopal motto is Loquendo Scripturas Aperiens.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of August 27, 2022; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the deaconry of S. Maria in Via Lata in that same consistory. He was older than eighty years at the time of his promotion to the cardinalate and thus not eligible to participate in a conclave. He took possession of his deaconry on Thursday December 8, 2022, at 10 a.m.

Birth September 28, 1941, Tielen, diocese of Antwerpen, Belgium.

Education. After his secondary studies with the Jesuit Fathers in Turnhout and at Don Bosco School in Hechtel, in 1961 he entered the Congregation of the Salesians of Don Bosco, where he did the novitiate. From 1962 to 1964, he completed his studies of philosophy in the Salesian scholasticate in Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium. He was sent to Korea for an internship as a young Salesian. Returning to Belgium, he studied theology at the Catholic University of Lovain (1967-1970), obtaining a license in missiologiy. He emitted his perpetual profession on March 6, 1968. He speaks Dutch, French, German, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Korean.

Priesthood. Ordained, September 12, 1970, in Oud-Heverlee, Belgium. After his ordination he left as a missionary for Korea where he exercised as a teacher (1972-1974), chaplain of the Catholic students (1974-1978) and provincial (1978-1984). From 1984 to 1996, he was member of the Salesian General Council as responsable of the missions (1984-1990) and responsible for the Salesian youth pastoral (1990-1996). From 1996 he was vicar general of the rector major of the Salesians and at the same time he was responsible for the "Salesian Family".

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Gent, December 19, 2003. Consecrated, February 1, 2004, cathedral of Saint Bavon, Gent, by Cardinal Godfried Danneels, archbishop of Mechelen-Brussel, assisted by Arthur Luysterman, bishop of Gent, and by Paul Van den Berghe, bishop of Antwerpen. His episcopal motto is In nomine Patris. Participated in the 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 4-25, 2015, as a substitute for Belgium. Participated in in the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 3-28, 2018. He resigned from the pastoral government of the diocese on November 27, 2019.

Cardinalate. He was going to be created a cardinal in the cocnistory of August 27, 2022 but on June 16, 2022, he asked the pope to dispense him with his acceptance of the appointment to the cardinalate. Pope Francis agreed to his request. The promotion had provoked many positive reactions, but also criticism that as bishop of Ghent he did not always react vigorously enough against abuses in the pastoral relationship. To prevent victims of such abuses from being hurt again as a result of his cardinalate, Bishop Van Looy asked the pope to dispense with his acceptance of the appointment.