Birth. April 15, 1946, Manduria, diocese of Oria, Italy. Son of Salvatore Filoni, who served in a sector of the ministry of Finance, and Severina Baglivo, who were from Galatone (Lecce), a small city near Nardò, where Fernando spent his childhood until his entrance in the local minor seminary.

Education. Completed his ginnasiali studies at the Minor Seminary of Nardò; then, he attended the lyceun of the Regional Seminary Pio XI of Molfetta; and completed his philosophical and theological studies in the Major Seminary of Santa Maria della Quercia of Viterbo. After his priestly ordination, he went to study at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, where he first obtained a licentiate in dogmatic theology and later a doctorate in canon law; at the same time, he obtained a doctorate in philosophy at the State University La Sapienza, in Rome; and a diploma in science and technique of public opinion at the Libera Università Pro Deo, now Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (LUISS), in Roma, with specialization in journalism. Besides his native Italian, he knows English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Priesthood. Ordained, July 3, 1970, in the Shrine of SS. Crocifisso, in Galatone, by Antonio Rosario Mennonna, bishop of Nardò. Incardinated in the diocese of Nardò. Further studies in Rome. From 1970 until 1978, he taught religion at the state lyceums Livona and Socrate in Roma; at the same time, he was vicar of the parish San Tito (now San Leonardo Murialdo) in Rome. In 1979, he was admitted to the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the diplomatic school of the Holy See. Entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on April 3, 1981. In May 1981, he was named attaché of the nunciature in Sri Lanka; and later, its secretary. Auditor and counselor of the nunciature in Iran, from 1983 to 1985. Worked in the Secretariat of State at the Vatican from 1985 to 1989. Counselor in the nunciature in Brazil from 1989 until 1992. Counselor in the nunciature in Philippines section of Hong Kong, from 1992 to 2001.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Volturno and appointed nuncio in Jordan and Iraq, January 17, 2001. Consecrated, March 19, 2001, at the patriarchal Vatican basilica, by Pope John Paul II, assisted by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, and by Giovanni Battista Re, titular archbishop of Vescovio, substitute of the Secretariat of State. His episcopal motto is Lumen gentium Christus. He remained in Baghdad during the last two years of the regime of Saddam Hussein, during the war, and for three more years. Named nuncio in Philippines on February 25, 2006. Named substitute for the General Affairs of the Church of the Secretariat of State, June 9, 2007. Named prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples on May 10, 2011.

Birth. March 29, 1938, Santa Eufémia de Prazins, Guimarães, Portugal.

Education. Studied humanities, philosophy and theology in the Archdiocesan Seminaries of Braga; then, in 1961, after having received the priestly ordination, he studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law in June 1967; at the same time, he obtained a diploma in diplomacy from the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome; and in February 1969, he became advocate in the Sacred Roman Rota.

Priesthood. Ordained, July 9, 1961, at the cathedral of Braga, by António Bento Júnior, archbishop of Braga. Further studies in Rome. He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1967. Chaplain of His Holiness, July 1, 1968. Secretary of the nunciatures in Panamá from 1967 to 1969. Secretary of the nunciature in Guatemala from 1969 until 1972, Secretary of the apostolic delegations in Việt Nam and Cambodia from 1972 until 1975. Secretary of the nunciature in Australia from 1975 to 1978. Secretary of the nunciature in México from 1978 to June 1981. Worked in the Vatican Secretariat of State from June to November 1981. Prelate of honor of His Holiness, July 1, 1981. Counselor of the nunciature in Belgium from 1981 until 1985.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Benevento and appointed pro-nuncio to Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Lucia; and apostolic delegate in The Antilles, with residence in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, February 16, 1985. Consecrated, March 23, 1985, at the basilica of Samheiro, Braga, by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, secretary of State, assisted by Eurico Dias Nogueira, archbishop of Braga, and by Júlio Tavares Rebimbas, archbishop-bishop of Porto. His episcopal motto is Mane nobiscum Domine. In 1985 he was decorated with the Grand Cross of the Order of Infante D. Henrique, granted by Prime Minister Mário Soares of Portugal. Named pro-nuncio to Antigua and Barbuda, April 25, 1987. Named nuncio to El Salvador and Honduras, August 21, 1990. Resigned the nunciature to Honduras, April 12, 1991. In 1993 he received the Gold Medal of the City of Guimarães. Named nuncio to South Africa, Nambia and Swaziland, February 2, 1998. Named nuncio to Lesotho, March 7, 1998. Named nuncio to Spain and Andorra, March 1, 2000. From 1997, he was permanent observer of the Holy See at the World Tourism Organization. In 2003 he was decorated with the Grand Cross of the Military Order of Christ, granted by the minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal. In March 2006, he was extraordinary envoy in special mission to the inauguration of the president of the Republic of Portugal, Professor Doctor Aníbal Cavaco Silva. Named secretary of the Congregation for Bishops on July 3, 2009. Named secretary of the College of Cardinals on October 21, 2009. Named penitentiary major on January 5, 2012. He has also been decorated as commander of the Order of King Leopold, Belgium; as commander of the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; with the great cross of the Order "Maías Delgado", El Salvador; with the grand cross of the Order of "Isabel la Católica", Spain; with the grand cross of the Order of Malta "Pro Piis Meritis"; and as grand officer of the Order of "Stella della Solidarietà Italiana".

Birth. September 21, 1935, Alfambra, diocese of Teruel, Spain.

Education. Studied at the Conciliar Seminary of Teruel; in 1961, he went to Rome to study and obtained a doctorate in social sciences at S. S. Tommaso d'Aquino University; and a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Priesthood. Ordained, March 19, 1960. Further studies in Rome, 1961-1967. He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1967. He worked in the nunciatures in Pakistan and in Turkey; and later, in the Secretariat of State. In the 1980s, he headed the Spanish language section of the Secretariat of State and was professor of Spanish to Pope John Paul II, whom he accompanied in several trips to Spanish speaking countries.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Tamada and appointed nuncio in Bolivia, April 29, 1985. Consecrated, June 16, 1985, at the cathedral of Teruel, by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, secretary of State, assisted by Gabino Díz Merchán, archbishop of Oviedo, and by Ramón Búa Otero, bishop of Tarazona and apostolic administrator of Teruel. His episcopal motto is Pro Ecclesia cum Petro. Named pro-nuncio in Cameroun, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea,.October 2, 1989. Named nuncio in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, February 24, 1996. Transferred to the nunciature in Argentina, March 4, 2000. In 2002, he received the highest decoration of Yugoslavia, the Order of the Star of Yugoslavia, first class. On April 9, 2003, he also became nuncio in Slovenia and in Bosnia e Hercegovina. In addition, on April 12, 2003, he was named nuncio in Macedonia. On January 22, 2011, he was named vice camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Named archpriest of the papal Liberian basilica, Rome, November 21, 2011. He received the Encomienda de primera clase y Placa of the Order of Isabel La Católica; the grand cross of Civil Merit of Germany; the grand cross of the Cóndor de los Andes of Bolivia; the grand cross of San Jorge of the Provincial Diputation of Teruel; and a street in his native town was named after him.

Birth. February 3, 1938, Macerata Feltria, Italy. He grew up in the diocese of Pesaro.

Education. Studied at the Pontifical Regional Seminary of Fano (liceali courses); obtained the diploma in maturità classica at Lyceum Mamiani of Pesaro, in 1957; went to Rome to study philosophy, theology and law at the Pontifical Lateran University, as student of the Major Roman Seminary, where he obtained a licentiate in philosophy and theology; and a doctorate in canon law in June 1966. Later, from 1966 until 1968, he studied at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome (diplomacy). Besides his native Italian, he speaks English, French and Spanish.

Priesthood. Ordained, March 18, 1962, at the cathedral of Pesaro, by Luigi Carlo Borromeo, bishop of Pesaro; incardinated in the diocese of Pesaro. Pastoral ministry in the parish of S. Maria di Loreto, in Pesaro. Further studies in Rome. Entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1968. Secretary at the nunciatures in Perú from 1968 until 1971; secretary at the nunciature in Philippines from 1971 until February 1975; and auditor at the nunciature in Sénégal from 1975 until May 1980. During four years, from 1980 until June 1984, he worked at the Council for the Public Affairs of the Church. Then, in 1984 he was named counselor at the nunciature in Great Britain.

Birth. October 1, 1942, Foglizzo, archdiocese of Turin, Italy.

Education. Obtained a licentiate in pastoral theology and a doctorate in canon law; studied diplomacy at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome, from 1966.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 29, 1966, Ivrea, by Albino Mensa, bishop of Ivrea. Incardinated in the diocese of Ivrea. Further studies in Rome. Entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See, February 1, 1971. He worked in the pontifical diplomatic representations as attaché in the apostolic delegation in the Region of the Red Sea, 1971 to 1973, and at the pro-nunciature in Sudan, also 1971 to 1973; secretary at the pro-nunciature in Turkey, 1973 to 1976; secretary at the nunciature in Venezuela, 1976 to 1981; and auditor in the Office of the Organization of the United Nations in Geneva, 1981 to 1987. Chaplain of His Holiness, February 9, 1976. In 1987, he headed the delegation of observers of the Holy See to the Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in Pyongyang, North Korea; he was the first Catholic priest to be able to visit the small Catholic community of that country, isolated since the Korean War.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Urbisaglia and named pro-nuncio in Ghana, Togo e Benin, October 17, 1987. Consecrated, November 28, 1987, at the parish church of Foglizzo, by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, secretary of State, assisted by Albino Mensa, archbishop of Vercelli, and by Luigi Bettazzi, bishop of Ivrea. His episcopal motto is Narrabo nomen tuum. Named nuncio in Rwanda, January 12, 1991; he worked tirelessly for a settlement of the conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups and received from the Government of Rwanda a special recognition for the work of pacification that he carried out. In March 1995, he was named permanent Observer of Office of the United Nations and Specialized Institutions in Geneva, where he negotiated the ingress of the Holy See as permanent observer, in the World Trade Organization, becoming its first representative. In 2000, he guided the Vatican representation to the Tenth Conference of the United Nations on Commerce and Development (Unctad X), in Bangkok, Thailand. On December 27, 2000, he was named apostolic nuncio in México. On January 11, 2007, he was named apostolic nuncio in Italy and in the Republic of San Marino. On April 10, 2088, he was named knight of grand cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. On September 3, 2011, he was named president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and of the Governorate of Vatican City State. He assumed the offices on October 1, 2011.

Birth. March 6, 1938, San Giuliano Milanese, archdiocese of Milan, Italy. Son of Alberto Coccopalmerio, from Scontrone, in Abruzzo, and Giuseppina Ceppi, from Sernio in Valtellina. He was baptized the following March 14.

Education. At the end of the academic year 1956-1967, he obtained the maturità classica at the state lyceum of Busto Arsizio (Varese); then, he studied at the Seminary of Milan, Vengono Inferiore, from 1957 to 1962; then, from 1962 to 1964, he studied at the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy, where he obtained a licentiate in theology in 1963; later, he was sent to Rome to study at the Pontifical Gregorian University, obtaining a doctorate in canon law in 1968, under the guidance of Father Wilhelm Bertrams, S.J., with the dissertation La partecipazione degli acattolici al culto della Chiesa cattolica nella pratica e nella dottrina della Santa Sede dallinizio del secolo XVII ai nostri giorni; and in 1970, a diploma in moral theology at the Alphonsianum, Redemptorist Institute of Higher Studies; in 1976, he obtained a doctorate in jurisprudence at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, under the guidance of Professor Orio Giacchi. Besides his native Italian, he also speaks German.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 29, 1962, metropolitan cathedral basilica of S. Ambrogio, Milan, by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, archbishop of Milan. Professor at the Minor Seminary of Masnago (Varese) from 1962 to 1963. Further studies in Rome. Successively, in the archdiocese of Milan he was adjunct at the Avvocatura Generale of the curia from 1966; and general advocate from 1980 until 1994. Professor of canon law at the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy from 1966 until 1999. From 1981, he was guest professor at the Faculty of Canon Law of the Pontifical Gregorian University. From 1985 he was pro-vicar general of the archdiocese of Milan.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Celiana and appointed auxiliary of Milan, April 8, 1993. Consecrated, May 22, 1993, cathedral of Milan, by Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, S.J., archbishop of Milan, assisted by Attilio Nicora, bishop of Verona, and by Giovanni Giudici, titular bishop of Usula, auxiliary of Milan. His episcopal motto is Iustus ut palma florebit. He was episcopal vicar for Culture and Catholic Cultural Centers from 1993; president of the Diocesan Commission for Ecumenism and Dialog from 1988; episcopal vicar delegate for the following offices of the curia: Discipline of the Sacraments; Ecclesiastical Cultural Patrimony; Historical Archive from 1993; Regional Ecclesiastical Tribunal; archiepiscopal delegate to the Presbyteral Council and the Diocesan Pastoral from 1993. In the Italian Episcopal Conference, he was member of the Council for Juridical Affairs from 1993; and its president from 1999. From 1996, he was delegate of the Holy See for the Company of Saint Paul, a secular institute of pontifical right. Member of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature from August 2000. Named president of the Pontifical Council for the Legislative Texts and promoted to the rank of archbishop on February 15, 2007. Under his presidency, took place the celebration of the twenty-five years of the promulgation of the Code of Canon Law (1983-2008) and the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (1990-2010). In 2008, he was named central consultant of the Union of Italian Catholic Jurists. He is founder, with the Jesuit Father Jean Beyer, of the journal Quaderni di Diritto Ecclesiale; and is the author of numerous scientific publications in which he mainly dealt with issues relating to the reflection on the identity of the law of the Church, the second book of the Code (in particular communion with Church and parish), communicatio in sacris and criminal law.

Birth. April 24, 1947, Mafra, diocese of Joinville, Brazil. Son of João Avelino de Aviz e Juliana Hacke de Aviz. The family had eight children. His last name is also listed as Braz de Aviz.

Education. Entered the Minor Seminary "São Pio X", Assis, São Paulo, directed by the Fathers of the Pontifical Institute of the Foreign Missions (PIME), as a seminarian of the diocese of Londrina, on April 21, 1958; when the diocese of Apucarana was established on November 28, 1964, he became a seminarian of the new diocese, in which territory his family resided; he then attended the Major Seminary "Rainha dos Apóstolos", Curitiba, where he studied philosophy; and then he attended the Faculty of Palmas; later, he was sent to study at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, from 1967 to 1972, where he obtained a master's degree in theology; years later, he returned to Rome to continue his studies at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, from 1989 to 1992, obtaining a doctorate in dogmatic theology. Due to his views in favor of the theology of liberation, he almost abandoned seminary and the Church itself because of the ideological excesses that emerged in the early years of the movement.

Priesthood. Ordained, November 26, 1972, cathedral of Apucarana, by Bishop Romeu Alberti of Apucarana. Incardinated in the diocese of Apucarana. Pastoral ministry in several parishes of Apucarana, 1972-1984 (1). Spiritual director of the Seminary of Ipiranga. Rector of the Major Seminary of Apucarana, 1984-1985. Rector of the Major Seminary of Londrina, 1986-1988. Further studies in Rome, 1989-1992. Pastor of the cathedral "Nossa Senhora de Lourdes", Apucarana; and professor of dogmatic theology at the Theological Seminary "Pablo VI", Londrina, 1992-1994. In the diocese of Apucarana he was member of the presbyteral council and of the college of consultors as well as coordinator general of the diocesan pastoral..

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Flenucleta and appointed auxiliary of Vitória, April 6, 1994. Consecrated, May 31, 1994, cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, Apucarana, by Domingos Gabriel Wisniewski, bishop of Apucarana, assisted by Silvestre Luis Scandian, archbishop of Vitória, and by Acácio Rodrigues Alves, bishop of Palmares. Transferred to the see of Ponta Grossa, August 12, 1998; took possession on October 15, 1999. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Maringa, July 17, 2002. Received the pallium from Pope John Paul II on June 29, 2003 at the papal Vatican basilica. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Brasília, January 28, 2004. Received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2005 at the papal Vatican basilica. He made numerous parochial visits and actively participated in the meetings of the vicariates; he also paid special attention to the apostolate for young people. In May 2010 he organized the 16th National Eucharistic Congress in coincidence with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the archdiocese and of the city of Brasília. Named prefect of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, January 4, 2011; on that same day, he became archbishop emeritus of Brasília and apostolic administrator of that see until the appointment of his successor.

Birth. April 8, 1939, Bronx, New York, United States of America. Eldest of the three children of Edwin Frederick, Sr., and Mary Winifred O'Brien. The other two siblings were Kenneth and Tom, both deceased. He lost his father at fourteen. As his mother worked as a secretary and journal distributor, Edwin and his siblings were raised by a Jewish couple. When his mother remarried, they moved to Westchester County.

Education. He finished his elementary education at Our Lady of Solace School in 1953; he then studied at St. Mary's High School in Katonah, 1953 to 1957; he entered St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, and obtained a bachelor of arts in 1961; a master of Divinity in 1964; and a master of arts in 1965; in 1976, he obtained a doctorate in moral theology at the Pontifical University of S. Tommaso d'Aquino, Angelicum, Rome (dissertation: "The origin and development of moral principles in the theology of Paul Ramsey", Angelicum U. Press, 1976); while in Rome, he resided at the Pontifical North American College.

Priesthood. Ordained, May 29, 1965, metropolitan cathedral of St. Patrick, New York, by Cardinal Francis Joseph Spellman, archbishop of New York. Incardinated in the archdiocese of New York. His first pastoral assignment was as a civilian chaplain at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Later, he was commissioned to become a military chaplain; and in 1970, he officially became an army chaplain with the rank of captain, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. From 1971 to 1972, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the 1st Cavalry Brigade. From a base of operations in the middle of a jungle, he and a Protestant minister flew by helicopter to defensive outposts where they would provide for the spiritual needs of the soldiers. In 1973, he left the military and began his doctoral studies in Rome, which he completed in 1976. He returned to New York and was named vice-chancellor for the archdiocese and associate pastor at St. Patrick's cathedral. In 1979, he coordinated the visit of Pope John Paul II to New York; and for two years served as communications director of the archdiocese. He was rector of St. Joseph's Seminary from 1985 to 1989; and from 1994 to 1997. Prelate of honor of His Holiness, March 17, 1986. From 1990 to 1994, he served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Tizica and appointed auxiliary bishop of New York, February 6, 1996. Consecrated, March 25, 1996, metropolitan cathedral of St. Patrick, by Cardinal John Joseph O'Connor, archbishop of New York, assisted by Patrick Joseph Thomas Sheridan, titular bishop of Cursola, auxiliary of New York, and by John Gavin Nolan, titular bishop of Natchez, auxiliary of New York. His episcopal motto is Pastores dabo vobis. Named coadjutor of the Military Ordinariate of the United States of America and promoted to the rank of archbishop, April 8, 1997. Succeeded to the ordinariate, August 12, 1997. Resigned the titular see of Tizica, March 7, 1998. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Baltimore, July 12, 2007, becoming its fifteenth archbishop. Received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2008, at the papal Vatican basilica. Named pro-grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem on August 29, 2011. Apostolic administrator of the see of Baltimore until the installation of his successor Bishop William Edward Lori of Connecticut on May 16, 2012.

Birth. February 3, 1943, parish of Natività di Maria in Tramontana, Parodi Ligure, province of Alessandria, archdiocese of Genoa, Italy. From a peasant family. He was baptized four days later in that parish.

Education. After his initial studies at the elementary school of Tramontana, on October 10, 1954,after the death of his father, he entered the Minor Seminary of Genoa, thanks to the support of the local priest, Don Giovanni Conti; successively, he studied at the lyceum of the Major Seminary of Genoa, where he obtained the diploma Lyceum "Cristoforo Colombo" of Genova in 1962; he had a definte missionary vocation, which was opposed however not only by his mother but also by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri, archbishop of Genoa, who in fact sent him to study in Rome; on October 15, 1962, he entered the Lombardian Pontifical Seminary in Rome, studying at the Pontifical Gregorian University; after one year, he obtained a bachelor in philosophy; and after five years, the doctorate in Sacred Theology, magna cum laude, with a thesis on the original sin in Erasmus of Rotterdam, in relation with the Council of Trent (1).

Priesthood. Ordained, February 25, 1967, at the chapel of the Major Seminary of Genoa, by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri, archbishop of Genoa. After finishing his studies at Seminario Lombardo, he returned to Genoa in 1968. Named vice-pastor of Uscio; and at the same time, professor of Salms, Books of Wisdom, and Hebrew language at the Major Seminary of Genoa. From 1969 until 1989, he was named rector of the Oratory of S. Erasmo, Genoa QuintoI, continuing his teaching at the seminary in moral philosophy, natural theology, introduction to theology and fundamental moral theology. During the period of adaptation of the curriculum of the Seminary of Genoa to that of the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy, of which the Seminary of Genoa became a section, he left the teaching of philosophy and taught fundamental theology and dogmatic theology. For many years he was secretary of the Presbyteral Council of the archdiocese of Genoa. After the promulgation of the new Code of Canon Law, he was part of the working group that studied the adaptation of diocesan structures to the regulations of the new code. From 1980 to 1985, he taught fundamental moral theology at the Interdiocesan Theological Study in Alessandria. In 1985, he was charged with coordinating the organization of the visit of Pope John Paul II to Genoa. Because of his success in that charge, at the request of Cardinal Giuseppe Siri, archbishop of Genoa, the pope named Father Calcagno prelate of honor of His Holiness on November 8, 1985. In that same year, he was elected by the Diocesan Presbyteral Council member of the Administrative Council; and in addition, Cardinal Siri named him president of the D.S.C. At this time, he also consolidated and restructured the Oratory of S. Erasmo, a national monument. He was member of the Diocesan Commission fo the Doctrine of the Faith and episcopal vicar for the new activities with Cardinal Giovanni Canestri, archbishop of Genoa. Then, he was transferred to Rome to take over new national charges. At the national level, he has been member of the Italian Presbyteral Commission from 1975 to 1980; and its secretary from 1981 to 1992. In Rome, he was director of the National Office for the Missionary Cooperation between the Churches from 1989 to 1996. From 1996 until 1998, he was president of the Central Institute for the Soustenance of the Clergy. From the end of 1998 to March 2002, he was economous of the Italian Episcopal Conference and president of Collegio dei Conti of the Institute for the Soustenance of the Clergy. More recently, he has been president of the Collegio dei Revisori dei Conti of Italian Caritas; counselor to the administration of Libreria Editrice Vaticana; and member Council for the Economic Affairs of the Italian Episcopal Conference. He also taught an annual monographic course of eschatology at the Pontifical Urbanian University for ten years.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Savona-Noli, January 25, 2002. Consecrated, March 9, 2002, cathedral of S. Lorenzo, Genoa, by Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Genoa, assisted by Cardinal Giovanni Canestri, archbishop emeritus of Genoa, and by Paolo Romeo, titular archbishop of Vulturia, nuncio in Italy. Named secretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, August 31, 2007 and elevated to the rank of archbishop. Named president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, July 7, 2011.

Birth. July 30, 1943, Villarboit, archdiocese of Vercelli, Italy. He has a sister, Cesarina. His maternal uncle, Father Maggiorino Carenzo, was the parish priest of Montarolo, province of Turin, Italy.

Education. He entered the Seminary of Moncrivello, Vercelli, at eleven years of age; later, in 1972, after ordination, he was sent to study at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where he obtained a licentiate in psychology and a doctorate in canon law. In 1981, he obtained the title of advocate at the Sacred Roman Rota.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 29, 1967, by Albino Mensa, archbishop of Vercelli. Vicar of the parish of Santissimo Salvatore in Vercelli. For two years he was responsible for the lyceal community of the Seminary of Vercelli. Further studies in Rome, from 1972 until 1976, when he returned to Vercelli and was given the charge of founding the Diocesan Consultory for the Family, of which he became the director. Successively, he was president of the Piedmontese Regional Federation of Consultants of Christian Inspiration. At the beginning of 1977, he was named pastor of the parish of Larizzate, in the city of Vercelli. In 1980 he was sent to teach canon law and psychology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, partially maintaining his activities in the archdiocese of Vercelli. Named referendary of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature in 1985; voter in 1990; and member in 2007; and also professor of anthropology at the Studio of the Sacred Roman Rota. On March 25, 1994, Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., of Vercelli, named him vicar general of the archdiocese, in which post was confirmed by the new Archbishop Enrico Masseroni. Named president, representing the archbishop, of the Foundation of the Museum of the Treasury of the Duomo and of the Capitular Archive; also, member of the organ of direction of the Foundation Cassa di Risparmio di Vercelli.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Alessandria, April 4, 2007. Consecrated, May 26, 2007, in the cathedral of Vercelli, by Enrico Masseroni, archbishop of Vercelli, assisted by Fernando Charrier, bishop emeritus of Alessandria, and Natalino Pescarolo, bishop emeritus of Cuneo. His episcopal motto is Christi minister. He was installed on the following June 10. Member of the Council for Juridical Affairs of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Director of the Osservatorio giuridico-legislativo of the Episcopal Conference of Piedmont-Valle d'Aosta; and ecclesiastical assistant to the Association of Catholic Physicians of the Region of Piedmont. Named apostolic visitor to the Legionaires of Christ, June 27, 2009. Named president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See and promoted to the dignity of archbishop, September 21, 2010. He was apostolic administrator of Alessandria until the appointment of his successor. He has written numerous articles and books on matrimony.

Birth. April 19, 1945, parish of Thuruthy, in Kottayam, archiepiscopal of Changanacherry (Changanassery) of the Syro-Malabars, India. He is the sixth of the ten children of Philipose and Mary Alencherry; two of his brothers, Jose and Francis, S.D.B., are priests; and a sister, Cherupushpam, S.A.B.S., is a nun. His parents were farmers. At baptism, he was given the name Geevarghese.

Education. He did his primary studies at Saint Mary's School, in Thuruthy; and secondary studies at Saint Berchman's High School, in Changanacherry. As his elder brothers had already entered priesthood, his father did not allow that George would enter seminary due to financial difficulties. He was only able to pursue his studies thanks to Archbishop Mathew Kavukattu of Changanacherry of the Syro-Malabars, who personally covered the expenses of his education. In 1961, he entered the Archdiocesan Minor Seminary at Parel, Changanacherry; while at the minor seminary, he obtained his bachelors in economics with second rank from Saint Berchman's College. Studied at the University of Kerala, where in 1965, he obtained a bachelors of arts in economics; then, he was sent to Saint Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Aluva, where he studied philosophy and theology; later, after his priestly ordination, he obtained a masters in theology at the Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosophy, Alwaye; he also earned a Higher Diploma in Bible Studies (DSEB) and a doctorate in theology conjointly from La Sorbonne University and the Institut Catholique de Paris, France, in 1986. He is proficient in Malayalam, Tamil, English and French.

Priesthood. Ordained, November 19, 1972, by Antony Padiyara, archbishop of Chanagancherry, in Saint Mary's church, Thuruthy. He was incardinated in the archdiocese of Changanacherry. While pursuing higher studies at Aluva, he served as vicar of the church of Periyarmugham, archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. After finishing his studies in Aluva, he was named assistant vicar of the cathedral church of Changanacherry as well as director of the Archdiocesan Faith Formation department. Then, he served from 1976 to 1978 as secretary of the Commission for Catechism of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC). In 1978, he was sent to Paris for higher studies. He returned to India in 1986 and was named deputy secretary of Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference, occupying the post until 1993; concurrently, from 1986 to 1991, he was the director of the Pastoral Orientation Center at Palarivattam; and simultaneously, from 1986 to 1997, he was professor at Saint Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam; from 1994 to 1997, he was protosyncellus of the archdiocese of Changanacherry.

Episcopate. Elected first eparch of Thuckalay of the Syro-Malabars, November 11, 1996. Consecrated, February 2, 1997, in Padanthalummoodu, India, by Joseph Powathil, archbishop of Changanacherry, assisted by Lawrence Ephraem Thottam, bishop of Marthandom, and by Matthew Vattackuzhy, bishop of Kanjirapally. He was installed on the same day. His episcopal motto is Service in dialog of truth and love. Elected archbishop major of Ernakulam-Angalamy by the Syro-Malabar Synod held at Mount St. Thomas, Kochi, on May 24, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI confirmed the election on May 25, 2011. He was installed on Friday May 27, in the afternoon, at a solemn mass at St. Mary's cathedral basilica, in the presence of Salvatore Pennacchio, titular archbishop of Montemarana, nuncio to India. He has served as secretary of the Synod of Bishops and chairman of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Commission for Catechism. He has also served as chairman of the Commission for Laity of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI). He has written the book "Morality Today and Tomorrow" in Malayalam as well as numerous articles on various topics in English and Malayalam.

Birth. January 16, 1947, Guelph, Ontario. Son of George Collins, circulation manager of the newspaper "Guelph Mercury", and his wife, who was a legal secretary. He is the only son and the youngest of three siblings. His childhood home was situated on Durham Street, behind Our Lady Immaculate church, where he attended and served morning mass.

Education. He received his first education at St. Stanislaw's Elementary School in Guelph, after having already taught himself to read before he began the first grade; then, he did his econdary studies at Bishop Macdonnell Catholic High School; he the attended St. Jerome's College, Waterloo, Ontario, where he obtained a bachelor of arts in English, in 1969; then he went to St. Peter's Seminary, London, Ontario, obtaining a bachelor of theology in 1973; and the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, obtaining a master of arts degree in English, also in 1973); he received the diaconate: May 14, 1972; sent to study in Rome at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, he obtained a licentiate in Sacred Scripture in 1978; and a doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, in 1986 (dissertation: Apocalypse 22:6-21 as the Focal Point of Moral Teaching and Exhortation in the Apocalypse, Director: Rev. Ugo Vanni, S.J.).

Priesthood. Ordained, May 5, 1973, in the cathedral of Christ the King, Hamilton, by Paul Reding, bishop of Hamilton. Associate pastor, Holy Rosary Parish, Burlington, Ontario, 1973 ; associate pastor, Christ the King Cathedral, Hamilton, Ontario; teacher and chaplain, Cathedral Boys' High School, Hamilton, Ontario; lecturer, Department of English, King's College, University of Western Ontario, 1978. At St. Peter's Seminary, London, Ontario, he was lecturer in Sacred Scriptures, 1978; group leader and spiritual director, 1983; associate professor of Scripture, 1985; associate editor, Discover the Bible, 1989; dean of Theology Department, 1993; vice-rector; and rector, 1995 until 1997.

Episcopate. Elected coadjutor bishop of Saint Paul in Alberta, March 25, 1997. Consecrated, May 14, 1997, at the cathedral Christ the King, Hamilton, by Anthony Frederick Tonnos, bishop of Hamilton, assisted by Raymond Roy, bishop of Saint Paul in Alberta, and by John Michael Sherlock, bishop of London. His episcopal motto is Deum adora. Succeeded to the see of Saint Paul in Alberta, June 30, 1997; installed, June 30, 1997. Member of the National Commission of Theology, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), 1997. Promoted to archbishop coadjutor of Edmonton, February 18, 1999. Succeeded to the metropolitan see of Edmonton, June 7, 1999; installed, June 7, 1999. From 1999 to 2007, he was president of the Alberta Conference of Catholic Bishops; chairman of the Newman Theological College Board of Governors, Edmonton; chairman of the St. Joseph's College Board of Governors, University of Alberta, Edmonton; member of the Board of Directors, Caritas Health Group, Edmonton; and member of the Board of Directors, Alberta Catholic Health Corporation. Chairman of the National Commission of Theology, CCCB, 1999 to 2001. Member of CCCB Permanent Council, 1999 to 2003. Member of the Organizing Committee of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, Canada, 2000 to 2002. Apostolic administrator of Saint Paul, Alberta, March 26, 2001 until November 9, 2001. Chairman of the National Commission on Christian Unity, CCCB, 2001 to 2003. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Toronto, December 16, 2006; installed, January 30, 2007. Received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2007 at the papal Vatican basilica. In 2007 he became the chancellor of the University of St. Michael's College and of the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, in Toronto. He is the chair of the Board of Governors of St. Augustine's Seminary, and the chair of the Board of Directors of Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary; of the Catholic Charities and of the Catholic Cemeteries. In 2008, he was elected president of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has authored numerous publications, pastoral letters and reflections.

Birth. April 26, 1943, Hradec Králové, East Bohemia, Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia). His father was a soldier. His baptismal name was Jaroslav.

Education. After graduating from the gymnasium J. K. Tyla in 1960, he tried to study theology but it was prohibited because of political reasons. He worked from 1960 to 1962 in the factory "ZVU Hradec" and learned mechanics. From 1962 to 1964 he completed his military service and returned then to his work place. In 1965, after a long delay on appeals he was allowed to study philosophy and theology at the Theological Faculty Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Litoměřice. On January 5, 1968, he secretly entered the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and took the name Dominik; made his temporary profession on January 6, 1969; in 1979 he obtained a licentiate in theology from the Pontifical Theological Faculty "Saint John the Baptist" in Warsaw, Poland.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 22, 1970, by Stepán Trochta, bishop of Litoměřice, and at that time Cardinal in pectore. For five years, he worked in the parishes of Chlum, Jáchymov and Nové Mitrovice (then archdiocese of Prague, now diocese of Plzeň). On January 7, 1972, he made the solemn profession in the Order of Preachers. In 1975, after wearing his religious garb in public, he was deprived of the state authorization to exercise his priestly ministry and destined for almost fifteen years, until the end of 1989, to work at the factory Škoda of Plzeń as designer. During that time, he worked secretly in his order as vicar provincial (1975 to 1986) and master of the novices (1976-1981). For his activity in the Dominican order and secretly publishing of books (so-called "samizdat"), he was arrested in 1981-1982 and imprisoned in Plzeń-Bory; in prison, he became a friend of Vaclav Havel, future president of the Czech Republic. From 1986 to 1998, he was provincial of the Dominicans in Bohemia and Moravia. After the fall of Communism, he was elected president of the Federal Conference of Superiors Major. From 1990 to 1998, he was member of the Accreditation Commission of the Czech Government. He taught biblical sciences at the Sts. Cyril and Methodius' Faculty of Theology of the Palacky University in Olomouc. From 1992 until 1996, he was vice-president of the European Union of Superiors Major.

Episcopate, Elected bishop of Hradec Králové, June 6, 1998. Consecrated, September 26, 1998, cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Hradec Králové, by Karel Otcenášek, archbishop-bishop emeritus of Hradec Králové, assisted by Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, archbishop of Prague, and by Giovanni Coppa, titular archbishop of Serta, nuncio in the Czech Republic. His episcopal motto is In Spiritu veritate. On October 28, 2001, he was awarded the First Grade Medal of Merit for the Czech Republic by the country's president. On June 2, 2003, he was awarded the Second Grade Cross of Merit by the minister of Defense of the Czech Republic. Beside leading the diocese of Hradec Králové, he was apostolic administrator of Litoměřice, Czech Republic, November 6, 2004 until October 4, 2008. On June 20, 2007, he was awarded the Grand Cross "Pro Piis Meritis" of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. On June 3, 2008, he received the First Grade Cross of Merit from the minister of Defense of the Czech Republic. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Prague, February 13, 2010; installed, the following April 10. After having served as vice-president from 2000 to 2004, he was elected president of the Czech Bishops Conference on April 21, 2010. Received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2011, at the papal Vatican basilica. He is member of the Ethical Forum of the Czech Republic; member of the Scientific Board of the Catholic Theological Faculty of the Charles University in Prague; of the Technical University in Liberec; of the University of Hradec Králové; and of the Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University in Hradec Králové. He is president of the Executive Council of the Czech Catholic Biblical Institute; member of the Center for Biblical Studies at the Evangelical Theological Faculty of the Charles University in Prague; member of the Confederation of the prisoners of State; editor-in-chief of the Salve - revue for theology, culture and spiritual life; member of the International Catholic Review Communio; and honorary president of the "Rodina sv. Zdislavy". He is a prolific writer (1).

Birth. June 22, 1953, Duivendrecht, diocese of Haarlem, The Netherlands.

Education. After having studied medicine and obtaining a doctorate at the University of Amsterdam, he entered the Major Seminary of Roermond, in Rolduc te Kerkrade, where he studied philosophy and theology. Received the diaconate on September 15, 1984, from Joannes Baptist Matthijs Gijsen, bishop of Roermond in that major seminary. From 1985 to 1987, he finished his courses in medicine, obtaining a doctorate at the University of Leiden. He went to Rome and in 1989, he obtained a doctorate in moral philosophy at the Pontifical University of S. Tommaso d'Aquino; in 1990, the licentiate in theology.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 1, 1985, in the cathedral of St.-Christoffel, Roermond, by Joannes Baptist Matthijs Gijsen, bishop of Roermond. From 1990, he taught moral theology at the Major Seminaries of Rolduc and of 's-Hertogenbosch; at the same time, he was prefect of studies at Rolduc. From 1994 to 1995, he was president of the Institute "Mater Ecclesiae Domesticae" (MEDO), Rolduc, for studies on the family. From 1996 until 1999, he was first docente and then professor of moral theology at the Theological Faculty of Lugano, Switzerland; at the same time, he continued teaching at the Major Seminary of Rolduc. From 1997 to 1999, he was a member of the International Theological Commission.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden, July 17, 1999. Consecrated, November 6, 1999, at the cathedral of Saint Joseph and Saint Martin, Groningen, by Cardinal Adrianus Johannes Simonis, archbishop of Utrecht, assisted by Franciscus Jozef Maria Wiertz, bishop of Roermond, and by Sergio Lasam Utleg, bishop of Laoag. His episcopal motto is Noli recusare laborem. Counselor of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Utrecht, December 11, 2007. He was installed in the metropolitan cathedral of St. Catherine of Utrecht on January 26, 2008. Received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2008, at the papal Vatican basilica. Elected president of the episcopal conference of the Netherlands in 2011.

Birth. February 25, 1947, Foligno, Italy. Second of the four children of Antonio Betori, a teacher, and Lina Martelloni, who were active members of the Catholic Action of Foligno.

Education. He attended the middle school and the gymnasium of the Episcopal Seminary of Foligno; and the lyceum of the Regional Seminary Umbro in Assisi; then, he was sent to study theology Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, as a student at the Pontifical Lombard Seminary, where he obtained a license in theology in 1970; later, after his priestly ordination, he completed his postgraduate studies in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, as a student of Collegio of S. Apollinare, earning a doctorate in Sacred Scriptures, summa cum laude, in January 1981, with the dissertation "Perseguitati a causa del Nome. Struttura dei racconti di persecuzione in Atti 1,12-8, 4" (published in that same year by the Institute "Analecta Biblica"); the relator was Father Dionisio Mínguez and the co-relator was Father Carlo Maria Martini, S.J., rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute and future cardinal.

Priesthood. Ordained, September 26, 1970, by Siro Silvestri, bishop of Foligno. Incardinated in the diocese of Foligno. From 1970 until 1991, he was member of the Presbyteral Council of the diocese of Foligno. Further studies in Rome. Diocesan Assistant of the Catholic Action from October 1973 to September 1979. From September 1977 to September 1991, he was member of the secretariat of the Umbrian Regional Center for the Pastoral; and its director from March 1981 to June 1985. Director of the School of Theological Formation of Foligno from 1980 to 1991. In 1980, he was named ordinary member of Accademia Fulginia. Professor of fundamental theology, Biblical science and exegesis of the New Testament at the Theological Institute of Assisi its director from 1982 to 1987. Simultaneously, parish priest of S. Michele Arcangelo in Cave, outskirts of Foligno, from August 1973 until January 1984. From December 1982, he was ecclesiastical assistant of the Center for Youth Pastoral "Istituto S. Carlo" of Foligno. He was canon of the chapter of the cathedral of S. Feliciano of Foligno from February 1984 to May 2001. From 1984 to 1991, he was member of Collegio dei consultori of the diocese of Foligno as well as member of Pastoral Council; and its secretary from December 1985 until September 1991. He was secretary general of the Diocesan Synod of Foligno, celebrated by Bishop Giovanni Benedetti from January 1986 to May 1991; he was a close collaborator of the bishop. From 1986 until 1991, he was member of the committee of the Italian Conference of Bishops (CEI) for the institutes of religious science. From October 1988 until September 1991, he was professor of Sacred Scriptures at the Superior Institute of Religious Science of Assisi. Director of the Regional Center for Pastoral. Assistant of the Center of Youth Pastoral of the Institute "S. Carlo", Foligno. From September 1991 until September 1996, he was director of the National Catechetical Office. Named chaplain of His Holiness on October 24, 1991. Coordinator of the secretariat of the Third Ecclesiastical Convention celebrated in Palermo from November 24 to 25, 1995. From 1995 to October 2008, he was member of the Commission of Vigilance of the Pontifical Lombard Seminary in Rome. Member of the preparatory committee for the celebration of the 23rd National Eucharistic Congress, held in Bologna from September 20 to 28, 1997, as member of the theological commission. From December 1997, he was dedicated to the preparation of the Fifteenth World Youth Day, held in Rome from August 15 to 20, 2000, as vice president of the Italian Committee responsible for organizing the event. In 1998, he was named ordinary member of the International Society of Franciscan Studies. Vice-President of the Italian Committee for the Fifteenth World Youth Day. Director of the Office of Catechism of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Undersecretary of the Episcopal Conference of Italy (CEI) from September 26, 1996 until April 5, 2001. At the request of the presidency and of the permanent council of the CEI, the pope appointed him secretary general of the conference.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Falerone, April 5, 2001, and appointed secretary general of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI). Consecrated, May 6, 2001, cathedral of S. Feliciano, Foligno, by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general of Rome, president of the Italian Episcoal Conference, assisted by Arduino Bertoldo, bishop of Floligno, by Ennio Antonelli, archbishop of Florence, by Antonio Buoncristiani, bishop of Porto-Santa Rufina, and by Giovanni Bendetti, bishop emeritus of Foligno. His episcopal motto is Deo et Verbo gratiae. On January 23, 2002, he was named member of Administrative Council of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, as representative of the CEI. As secretary general of the CEI, he prepared the Fourth National Ecclesiastical Congress celebrated in Verona, from October 16 to 20, 2006; and the encounter of Italian youth with Pope Benedict XVI in Loreto on September 1 to 2, 2007. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Florence, September 8, 2008. Grand chancellor of the Theological Faculty of Central Italy and moderator of the Superior Institute of Religious Science "Ippolito Galantini". He resigned as secretary general of the Italian Episcopal Conference on October 25, 2008. Entered the archdiocese on October 26, 2008. Elected president of the Tuscan Episcopal Conference on February 10, 2009. Received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2009 at the papal Vatican basilica. On November 5, 2011, he survived an apparent assassination attempt (1). On December 10, 2011, he was appointed a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture for a five-year renewable term. Among his publications are La Parola nel tempo della missione. Bibbia, cultura, comunicazione, Cinisello Balsamo (Milano), San Paolo, 2007; and Leggere la Bibbia nella Chiesa. Dalla Dei Verbum a oggi, Cinisello Balsamo (Milano), San Paolo, 2008.

Birth. February 6, 1950, St. Louis. Eldest of the five children of the late Robert Dolan and Shirley Radcliffe.

Education. Initial studies at Holy Infant Grade School in Ballwin, Missouri; from 1964 to 1968, he studied at high school at St. Louis Preparatory Seminary South; then. he attended Cardinal Glennon College, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy; in 1972, he was sent to Rome, where he obtained license in sacred theology at the Pontifical University of S. Tommaso d'Aquino (Angelicum), residing at the Pontifical North American College; from 1979 to 1983, he studied at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., where he obtained a doctorate in American Church History; before completing the doctorate, he spent a year researching the late Archbishop Edwin O'Hara, a founder of the Catholic Biblical Association. Archbishop O'Hara's life and ministry was the subject of his doctoral dissertation.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 19, 1976, for the archdiocese of Saint Louis. He then served as associate pastor at Immacolata Parish in Richmond Heights, Missouri, until 1979, when he furthered his studies at The Catholic University in Washington. On his return to St. Louis, Father Dolan was assistant pastor at Curé of Ars parish in Shrewsbury, from 1983 to 1985; and at Little Flower parish, Richmond Heights, from 1985 to 1987; during that time he was also liaison for Archbishop John L. May in the restructuring of the college and theology programs of the archdiocesan seminary system. In 1987, he was appointed to a five-year term as secretary to the apostolic nunciature in Washington, D.C. When he returned to St. Louis in 1992, he was appointed vice rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, serving also as director of spiritual formation and professor of church history. He was also an adjunct professor of theology at Saint Louis University. In 1994, he was appointed rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where he served until June 2001. While in Rome, he also served as a visiting professor of church history at the Pontifical Gregorian University and as a faculty member in the Department of Ecumenical Theology at the Pontifical University of S. Tommaso d'Aquino.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Natchez and appointed auxiliary of St. Louis, June 19, 2001. Consecrated, August 15, 2001, at the cathedral basilica of St. Louis, by Justin Francis Rigali, archbishop of St. Louis, assisted by Joseph Fred Naumann, titular bishop of Capocilla, auxiliary of St. Louis, and by Michael John Sheridan, titular bishop of Tibica, auxiliary of St. Louis. His episcopal motto is Ad quem ibimus. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Milwaukee on June 25, 2002. He was installed as Milwaukee's 10th archbishop on August 28, 2002, at the cathedral of St. John the Evangelist by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, papal nuncio to the United States. Received the pallium from Pope John Paul II on June 29, 2003 at the papal Vatican basilica. Transferred to the metropolitan see of New York, February 23, 2009. Installed by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States at Saint Patrick's cathedral on April 15, 2009. He is the 13th bishop and 10th archbishop of the see of New York. Received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2009, at the papal Vatican basilica. Elected president of the Episcopal Conference of the United States of America on November 16, 2010, for a three year term; occupied the post until November 12, 2013. In the Episcopal Conference of Catholic Bishops he was president of the board of directors of the Catholic Relief Services. He was also member of the Committee on Budget and Finance and of the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa; and consultor of the Committee on International Justice and Peace.

Birth. May 23, 1931, village of Ferneziu (now in the district of Baia Mare), eparchy of Maramureş, Romania. Tenth of the twelve children of Petru Mureşan and Maria Breban. He belongs to the Romanian Greek Catholic rite.

Education. He studied at the primary school in Ferneziu, from 1938 to 1944; later, from 1944 to 1948, in the lyceum Gheorghe Şincai. The education reform of 1948 prohibited all religions in the schools in the country; especially by Decree no. 358 of 1948 of the Grand National Assembly, the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, united with Rome, was brutally suppressed and declared illegal and because of this, Lucian's hope to train and become a priest became unachievable and he withdrew from school. Between 1948 and 1951, he attended woodworking school (fine furniture) in Baia Mare, and continued, part-time, his education to complete the lyceal studies. From 1951 to 1954, he did military service, which was compulsory at that time, in the aviation school in Turnişor (Sibiu). After finishing his military training, he was deployed to the jet aviation battalion in Craiova. In 1953, because of his belonging to the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, he was considered an undesirable person and transferred from the aviation battalion to work building the first hydroelectric plant of the country, in Bicaz. In 1954, he left Bicaz and waiting for an opportunity to study theology secretly, he worked in different places. At the suggestion of Bishop Julius Hossu and the blessing of Bishop Alexander Russu, at the proposal of Prof. Dr. Silviu Augustine Prunduş (released from prison in 1955), Bishop Iulia Marton Aron of Alba agreed to receive, as an exception, five young, one for each diocese of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, in the Institutul Teologic Romano-Catolic of Alba Iulia for the academic degree; among them was Lucian. In the fourth year of studies, the rector of the institute told him and the other student that remained from the original five, that they were expelled by the Department of Cults and that within 24 hours they were required to leave not only the Institute but also the city. In terms of ecclesiastical and canon laws there was no reason for expulsion. He returned to his native place. The expulsion coincided with the beginning of the persecution and prosecution by the Securitate. For a year he looked for work in mining companies and construction sites but was rejected on the grounds that he was a Catholic theologian. After a year, he managed to find a job as a laborer in the stone quarry in Ferneziu, where he works almost 10 years. When he was persecuted there, he transferred to the Department of Roads and Bridges, in the county of Maramureş, where he worked until his retirement in June 1990. Despite persecution, intimidation and threats, he did not give up his dream of becoming a priest, continuing underground studies, with former teachers from the theological academy who were fugitives. All underground students took their licensing exam. In 1964, a pardon decree was issued and the bishops were released from prison. Then his dream was fulfilled.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 19, 1964, by Ioan Dragomir, titular bishop of Palaeopoli in Pamfilia, auxiliary of Maramureş. Initially, exercised his pastoral ministry clandestinely, while working in the quarry and then in the Department of Roads and Bridges; his pastoral ministry was mostly dedicated to the youth and to those who wanted to become priests; later, he worked as a priest more openly especially in the diocese of Maramureş; the clergy of his rite asked him to reorganize its pastoral ministry. After the death of Bishop Dragomir on April 25, 1985, he exercised the function of provisional Ordinarius of the diocese of Maramureş until August 9, 1986; and from this date, at the selection and proposal of the diocesan chapter, he was installed in property by Metropolitan Archbishop Alexander Todea of Făgăras şi Alba Iulia of the Romanians. In December 1989, the Romanian Revolution occurred, the Communist government was forcibly overthrown and the head of state was executed. Shortly after, the Romanian Greek Catholic Church was legalized.

Episcopate. Elected eparch of Maramureş of the Romanians, March 14, 1990. Consecrated, May 27, 1990, in the esplanade of the Romanian Soldier Monument, in Baia Mare, by Alexandru Todea, archbishop of Făgăras şi Alba Iulia of the Romanians, assisted by Ioan Ploscaru, bishop of Lugoj of the Romanians, and by Guido del Mestri, titular archbishop of Tuscamia, former nuncio to Germany, in the presence of 100 priests and more than 20,000 faithful. The esplanade was symbolically adorned with a huge rosary of red carnations. It was the first meeting of the entire Greek-Catholic hierarchy gathered in a large-scale public event and in the presence of a papal representative. In the ceremony, a decree-law from the president of the Republic recognizing him as bishop was read. His episcopal motto is Fiat voluntas tuas. He opened the Baia Mare Theological Institute, in the academic school year 1990-1991. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Făgăras şi Alba Iulia of the Romanians, July 4, 1994. On August 27, 1994, he was installed in Blaj. Attended the Ninth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 29, 1994. He initiated the reconstruction of the metropolitan cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, in Bournemouth, which was completed in 1994. He convoked and participated in the four sessions of the Fourth Provincial Council of the Greek Catholic Romanian Church, held between 1995 and 1998. Participated, in 1995, in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Romanian Catholic Mission in Paris, for which he celebrated mass in Romanian in the metropolitan cathedral of Notre Dame. In August 1997, due to his effort, the remains of Bishop Ioan Inocenţi Micu were brought to the cathedral of Blaj (founded by him), Romania from Rome, where he had died in exile 252 years earlier. In 1997, he obtained the nihil obstat from the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints to open the canonization process of the seven Greek-Catholic bishops who were martyred during the Communist regime. Between 1998-2001 and then again in 2004, he was elected president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Romania, which includes the hierarchy of the Catholic Church of both rites, Latin (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Greek Catholic). On May 7 to 9, 1999, he hosted Pope John Paul II during his visit to Romania. Attended Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1 to 23, 1999. In the Jubilee Year 2000, he organized a national pilgrimage to Rome, which culminated with a concelebrated mass in Romanian with Pope John Paul II, in the patriarchal Vatican basilica, with the participation of thousands of Romanian pilgrims. On May 26, 2003, he was named member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. Attended the Eleventh General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 23, 2005. Promoted to the rank of archbishop major on December 16, 2005, when Pope Benedict XVI recognized the self-governing status of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, raising its traditional head, the metropolitan of Făgăras şi Alba Iulia, to the rank of major archbishop.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of February 18, 2012; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the title of S. Atanasio on that same day. He had reached age 80 before being created cardinal, so was not eligible to participate in a conclave. Named member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches on April 21, 2012. Took possession of his title on October 8, 2012. Participated in Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 5 to 19, 2014, on the theme "The pastoral challenges of the family in the context of the Evangelization".

Birth. April 19, 1920, Fouches, near Hachy (now Arlon), Belgium. Son of Firmin Ries, who was a farmer, and Clémentine Hardy. He was baptized in the parish Saint Hubert, Fouches. His baptismal name was Julien-Camille. A polyglot, he spoke French, Greek, Latin, German and Luxembourgish, among other languages.

Education. After finishing primary education in Fouches, he entered in 1933 the Séminaire Bastogne in Namur and graduated in 1939. From 1939 he studied for two semesters classical philology and philosophy at the University of Namur. In 1941, he entered the Theological Seminary of the Diocese of Namur and studied theology and philosophy. After his priestly ordination, he continued his studies in Namur and the Université Catholique de Louvain and earned a licentiate in theology in 1948; and a licentiate in Eastern philology and history in 1949. In 1953 he obtained a doctorate summa cum laude in theology at the same university; the title of his thesis, published in 1957 in Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses, was "The influence of the writings of the New Testament of the Coptic Manichaean Eucologio Medinet Madi" (Les rapports de la christologie manichéenne avec le Nouveau Testament dans l'eucologe copte de Narmouthis (Medinet Mâdi)); it was supervised by Monsignors Lucien Cerfaux and Louis Théophile Lefort.

Priesthood. Ordained, August 12, 1945, at the cathedral Saint-Alban in Namur, by André Charue, bishop of Namur; he was incardinated in the diocese of Namur. From 1949 to 1950, he was chaplain in Martelange, Saint Martin, while studying for his doctorate. After finishing further studies, he was chaplain and teacher of religion at the Athénee Royal d'Athus from 1950 to 1959; then, pastor and dean of the parish of Saint Jacob in Messancy from 1959 to 1968; and pastor of the parish of Saint Materne in Suarlée from 1968 to 2000. Professor of history of religions at Université Catholique (in 1969 named Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve) from 1960 until 1985; after his retirement, he became visiting professor of the same chair from 1985 until 1990. In 1969, during the transfer of the French-speaking part of the university of Louvain and its reconstruction in Louvain-la-Neuve, he was responsible of the creation of the Center Cerfaux-Lefort in order to reorganize the university library. He served in the Centre until 2011, dealing with large collections of books and journals for Louvain-la-Neuve, for the countries of Eastern Europe and francophone Africa. On the occasion of his retirement he received four Commemoratives from his collegues. Visiting professor at the Institut Catholique de Paris and the Faculté de Théologie de Lugano (Switzerland). Together with Philippe Delhaye and Gustave Thils, he was founder of the Revue Théologique de Louvain in 1970; and it's secretary until 1976. From 1975 to 1980, he was head of the Institute for Oriental Studies and founder of Centre d'Histoire des Religions at that university. From 1979 to 1985, he was member of Pontifical Council for Religious Dialog. The Académie Française granted him the prize Dumas-Millier in 1986 for his publications on the theme of the Sacred Scriptures; and the prize Furtado in 1987 for the whole of his scientific work. Honored in 1996 with the Premio Capri-San Michele (Milan). Since 2000 he ws chaplain of the Familia Spiritualis Opus (The spiritual family "The Work") in Villers Saint Amand. After his retirement he was guest professor at the Institut Catholique de Paris, France, and the faculty of theology at the University of Lugano, Switzerland. In 2009, he donated his books and papers to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan. He received an honorary degree from the Faculty of Education Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve. Received a doctorate honoris causa in philosophy and bioethics from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan on October 27, 2010. Named prelate of honor of His Holiness in 2010. Member of the boards of the review The Museon (Louvain); and L'aventure humaine (Milan and Paris). Member of following scientific societies: Société asiatique (Paris); Société Ernest Renan (Paris); Association internationale des études patristiques (Oxford); International Association for the History of Religions (Beirut); International Association for Coptic Studies (Rome); Association des écrivains croyants d'expression française (Paris); Deutsche Vereinigung für Religionsgeschichte (Darmstadt); Società italiana di storia delle religioni (Rome); Forschungsgruppe fü Anthropologie und Religionsgeschichte (Saarbrüücken); Association internationale pour l'étude des religions préhistoriques et ethnologiques (Valcamonica); Association belgo-luxembourgeoise d'histoire des religions; Accademia internazionale di scienza e cultura (Milan). He was grand officer of the Ordre de Léopold; grand office of the Ordre de Léopold II; and knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was the author of over 650 works, published in fifteen languages (1). Called "greatest living religions scholar" and "God's anthropologist", after the split of the Catholic University of Louvain, Monsignor Ries together with Monsignor Philippe Delhaye, founded the Centre Cerfaux Lefort in 1969, with the aim of collecting books and reviews for the University library. By the time of his resignation in 2011, Monsignor Ries had managed to collect some 1,600,000 volumes. The Centre d'Histoire des Religions of the University of Louvain was re-named after him. Together with the University of Louvain-la-Neuve (UCL), he created a center for education in Africa, sending it 75,000 books in 2011.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Belcastro on January 23, 2012. Consecrated on February 11, 2012, at the parish church Notre Dame in Villers Saint-Amand, by Giacinto Berloco, titular archbishop of Fidene, nuncio in Belgium, assisted by Remy Victor Vancottem, bishop of Namur, and by Guy Harpigny, bishop of Tournai. His episcopal motto was Caritas Christi urget nos.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of February 18, 2012; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the deaconry of S. Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia on that same day. He had reached age 80 before being created cardinal, so was not eligible to participate in a conclave. Took possession of his deaconry on October 20, 2012. The publishing house L'Editoriale Jaca Book, Milan, is preparing the Opera Omnia of the cardinal; the work will be divided into twelve thematic parts, which will include some of his still unpublished essays.

Birth. December 24, 1925, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Malta. Son of Vincent Grech and Amelia Gatt. His baptismal name was Stanley. He is an only child. His first name is also listed as Prospero.

Education. Primary education at Mater Boni Consilii school, Paola; and at St. Catherine's, Sliema; secondary education at Malta Lyceum; then, went to the University of London; and later, in 1942, to the Royal University of Malta, where he started studying medicine but gave it up during the first year; then, served as anti-aircraft gunner of the University Home Guard (RMA) during the Second World War. Entered the Order of Saint Augustine (Augustinian) in the province of Malta in 1943; professed, October 8, 1944; took the name Prosper; he studied philosophy for two years at St. Mark's Priory, Rabat, Malta; sent to Rome in 1946, he studied theology for four years at Collegio Internazionale Agostiniano S. Monica; in 1951, he attended a summer course on educational psychology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, and obtained a diploma; he obtained a licentiate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome; and in 1953, he earned a doctorate in theology from the same university with the thesis "The Atonement and God in Modern English Theology"; in 1954, he obtained a licentiate, summa cum laude, in Sacred Scriptures from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome; and in that same year, he did an archeological visit to the Holy Land; he conducted research in Semitic languages at Oxford University, 1957-1958; and at Cambridge University, 1958-1959, as research assistant to Professor A. J. Arberry, to help him in his studies on Maltese literature and on Dun Karm; continued Hebrew studies under Professor Winton-Thomas. Besides his native Maltese, he knows English, Italian, French, German, Dutch, Latin, Greek and Hebrew.

Birth. April 18, 1928, Cologne, Germany. From a family of solid Catholic tradition. His father was a professor of literature at a lyceum. He was the third of four siblings. The other children were Constantin (also a Jesuit), Heinz and Anneliese. Under National Socialism, despite the risk of reprisals, the parents were able to prevent the registration of their children in the youth associations imposed by the regime. The father suffered two processes by the authorities precisely because of his consistency between life and faith. His middle name is also listed as Joseph.

Education. Initial studies at Dreikönigsgymnasium, Cologne, which he left in 1946; he was a classmate of future Bishop Hubert Luthe of Essen. Entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on April 13, 1948, after having studied classical philology for three semesters. After the novitiate in Cologne, he did the scholasticate in Pullach and then he studied philosophy at the Jesuit University of Pullach (today University for Philosophy in Münich) from 1950 to 1953; and from 1955 to 1959, he studied theology at the University for Philosophy and Theology Sankt Georgen in Frankfurt (Main). His doctoral dissertation in theology was "Die Rechtfertigungslehre nach Domingo de Soto. Das Denken eines Konzilstellnehmers vor, in und nach Trient", which he defended in 1963; it was published in 1967.

Priesthood. Ordained, July 31, 1958, Frankfurt. Further studies and third probation, 1958 to 1965. From 1963 to 1969, he was professor of theology at the Jesuit Faculty of Hochschule Sankt Georgen, Frankfurt. Professor of dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, from 1969 to 2003. Consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since September 15, 1977. He participated in the preparation of the important ecumenical document "Dichiarazione comune sulla giustificazione". More recently he was member of the working group constituted by the Commission Ecclesia Dei to conduct the colloquies with the Society of Pius X, of the followers of excommunicated Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. In 2010 he published with Professor Ilaria Morali, also from the Gregorian University, and twenty five collaborators, "Catholic Engagement with World Religions", work of orientation on the theology of religions. He enjoyed the respect and trust of Pope Benedict XVI since the latter, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Episcopate. Because of advanced age, he requested to be exempted from receiving the episcopal consecration, normally required when promoted to the cardinalate.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of February 18, 2012; received the red biretta, the cardinalitial ring and the deaconry of S. Giuliano Martire on that same day (1). He had reached age 80 before being created cardinal, so was not eligible to participate in a conclave. His cardinalitial motto was Quarere Deum in omnibus. Took possession of his deaconry on April 22, 2012.

Death. February 10, 2015, at 3 a.m., in the Roman hospital of the Fatebenefratelli. Upon learning the news of the death of Cardinal Becker, Pope Francis prayed for the eternal repose of his soul and sent a telegram of condolence to Father Adolfo Nicolás Pachón, superior general of the Society of Jesus (2). On Monday February 16, 2015, at 2:45 p.m., at the Altar of the Cathedra of the Papal Vatican Basilica, took place the exequies for the late cardinal. The exequial liturgy was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, together with other cardinals, archbishops and bishops. At the end of the eucharistic celebration, Pope Francis presided over the rite of Ultima Commendatio and of Valedictio. Buried in the tomb of the Society of Jesus in Campo Verano Cemetery, Rome.

Bibliography. Sentire cum ecclesia. Homenaje al Padre Karl Josef Becker S.J.. Edited by Enrique Benavent Vidal, Ilaria Morali. Valencia, Spain : Facultad de Teología San Vicente Ferrer 2003. (Series Valentina ; 49; Variation: Series Valentina ; 49). Language: Spanish; Articles in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish; introduction in Spanish.