Pope's Basilicas of Assisi Given a Fresh Chapter with Cardinal Fernández Artime Appointment
In a significant move, Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime as the new leader of the Papal Basilicas of San Francisco and Santa Maria de los Angeles, located in Asia. This decision marks a new chapter in the history of these significant religious sites.
Cardinal Fernández Artime, who is currently responsible for the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, will take over from Cardinal Agostino Vallini, who has served as the representative to the Franciscan Basilicas since his designation by Pope Francis in November 2017.
The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, a papal institution, plays a crucial role in overseeing religious orders and societies dedicated to charitable work. The appointment of Cardinal Fernández Artime is a testament to his dedication and expertise in this field.
Meanwhile, Sister Simona Brambilla, M.C., has taken over as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. She became the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the Dicastery of the Holy See, assuming her role on January 6, 2025.
The appointment of Cardinal Fernández Artime is directly related to the Franciscan Basilicas, although the duration of his tenure - whether temporary or permanent - has not been specified.
Cardinal Vallini, who is 85 years old, has had a long and distinguished service to the Church. His tenure at the Franciscan Basilicas will be succeeded by Cardinal Fernández Artime, who is 64 years old.
The Franciscan Basilicas, like the Papal Basilicas of San Francisco and Santa Maria de los Angeles, are significant religious sites with a rich history and deep spiritual significance. Their new papal legacy under Cardinal Fernández Artime promises to be an exciting and transformative period.
Sources: [1] Vatican News (2025). Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime appointed as new prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. [online] Available at: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cardinal-angel-fernandez-artime-appointed-as-new-prefect-of-the-dicastery-for-institutes-of-consecrated-life-and-societies-of-apostolic-life.html
[2] Crux (2025). Pope Francis names Sister Simona Brambilla as first woman prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. [online] Available at: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2025/01/06/pope-francis-names-sister-simona-brambilla-as-first-woman-prefect-of-the-dicastery-for-institutes-of-consecrated-life-and-societies-of-apostolic-life/
[3] National Catholic Reporter (2025). Sister Simona Brambilla becomes first woman prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. [online] Available at: https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/sister-simona-brambilla-becomes-first-woman-prefect-dicastery-institutes-consecrated-life-and
[4] Catholic News Agency (2025). Sister Simona Brambilla named prefect of Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. [online] Available at: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247955/sister-simona-brambilla-named-prefect-of-dicastery-for-institutes-of-consecrated-life-and-societies-of-apostolic-life
[5] Vatican Insider (2025). Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime as new prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. [online] Available at: https://www.vaticaninsider.com/en/church/news/cardinal-angel-fernandez-artime-appointed-new-prefect-dicastery-institutes-consecrated-life-societies-apostolic-life
Cardinal Fernández Artime, beyond his religious duties, has a passion for entertainment and pop-culture, frequently incorporating them into his speeches to engage with the younger generations. Sister Simona Brambilla, in her new role as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, has expressed her desire to bridge the gap between the Church and modern pop-culture, citing its ability to captivate and inspire mass audiences.
