Giovanni Battista Re

Stored: Giovanni Battista Re

His Eminence Giovanni Battista Re
Bishop of College of Cardinals
Home diocese:	Diocese of Brescia
Other diocese 1:	Titular See of Vescovìo
Other diocese 2:	Sabina-Poggio Mirteto
Other diocese 3:	Ostia
Ordination:	3 March 1957 by Archbishop Giacinto Tredici
Consecration:	7 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Rank:	Cardinal
Created cardinal:	21 February 2001 by Pope John Paul II
Personal details
Born:	Giovanni Battista Re 30 January 1934 Borno, Italy
Died:
Nationality:	Italy
Education:	Pontifical Gregorian University
Motto:	"Virtus in infirmitate"
Role:	Curial
Theology:	Conservative
Region:	Western Europe
Rite:	Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility:

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, born (1934-01-30) January 30, 1934, in Borno, Italy, is a distinguished figure in the Roman Catholic Church, known for his extensive curial service and leadership as Dean of the College of Cardinals since 2020. Ordained a priest in 1957 for the Diocese of Brescia, he rose through Vatican diplomacy and administration, serving in Panama, Iran, and as Substitute of the Secretariat of State (1989–2000). Elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, he shaped the global episcopate as Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops (2000–2010) and chaired the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, cementing his influence in Church governance.

Re’s conservative theology and expertise in canon law have defined his tenure, though not without controversy, notably in handling the McCarrick case. His diplomatic finesse and administrative acumen, honed at the Pontifical Gregorian University and Ecclesiastical Academy, have made him a pivotal figure in Vatican affairs. At 91, with his deanship extended by Pope Francis in 2025, Re continues to guide the Church, embodying his motto, "Virtus in infirmitate" ("Strength in weakness"), through decades of service amid challenges.

Biography

Giovanni Battista Re, born January 30, 1934, is an Italian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, renowned for his extensive service in the Roman Curia. Elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, he served as Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops from 2000 to 2010, overseeing episcopal appointments worldwide. As Dean of the College of Cardinals since 2020, he chaired the 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis, demonstrating his pivotal role in Church governance. His conservative theological stance and diplomatic career have shaped his influence within the Vatican.

Re’s career spans over six decades, marked by roles in Vatican diplomacy and administration. His leadership in the Curia, including as Substitute of the Secretariat of State (1989–2000), reflects his expertise in canon law and Church operations. Despite controversies, such as his handling of the McCarrick case, Re remains a key figure, with Pope Francis extending his deanship in 2025 at age 91. His motto, "Virtus in infirmitate" ("Strength in weakness"), underscores his approach to service amid challenges.

Birth and early life

Giovanni Battista Re was born on January 30, 1934, in Borno, a small town in the Province of Brescia, Italy, to Matteo Re, a carpenter, and his wife. Growing up in the Valcamonica valley, he was raised in a devout Catholic family, which fostered his early vocation. At age 11, in 1945, he entered the minor seminary of the Diocese of Brescia, where his spiritual and intellectual formation began.

The post-World War II era shaped Re’s formative years, with the Church’s role in rebuilding Italian society leaving a lasting impression. His family’s modest background instilled values of humility and hard work, qualities noted by biographers as central to his character. Re’s early commitment to the priesthood was evident in his active participation in parish life and his academic diligence.

Education

Re studied philosophy and theology at the Brescia seminary, excelling in his formation. Sent to Rome by his bishop, Giacinto Tredici, he earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, focusing on ecclesiastical governance. His thesis explored the juridical aspects of episcopal appointments, a topic that would later define his curial career.

To prepare for Vatican diplomatic service, Re attended the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy from 1961, training alongside future Church leaders. His education equipped him with a deep understanding of canon law and international relations, which he applied in his subsequent diplomatic postings and curial roles.

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on March 3, 1957, by Archbishop Giacinto Tredici for the Diocese of Brescia, Re initially served as a curate in a local parish while teaching at the Brescia seminary. His early ministry focused on pastoral care and catechesis, earning him recognition for his clarity and dedication. In 1963, he joined the Vatican’s diplomatic service, serving in Panama and Iran, where he honed his skills in cross-cultural engagement.

Recalled to the Vatican in the late 1960s, Re served as personal secretary to Archbishop Giovanni Benelli, a key figure in the Secretariat of State. By 1979, he was named Assessor of the Secretariat, a role that positioned him as a rising star in the Curia. His priesthood blended pastoral roots with high-level administrative expertise.

Bishop

Consecrated titular Archbishop of Vescovìo on November 7, 1987, by Pope John Paul II, Re served as Secretary of the Congregation for Bishops before becoming Substitute of the Secretariat of State (1989–2000). As Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops (2000–2010), he oversaw the appointment of hundreds of bishops, shaping the global episcopate. Elevated to cardinal in 2001, he was named Cardinal-Bishop of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto in 2002 and Ostia in 2020, tied to his role as Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Re’s episcopal ministry included significant decisions, such as upholding Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz’s excommunication decree in 2006 and addressing the McCarrick scandal, though his instructions for McCarrick’s retreat were not followed. His leadership in the 2013 conclave and his ongoing deanship highlight his enduring influence, despite debates over his conservative positions, such as his 2009 defense of life in a Brazilian abortion case.

Diocese	Role	Start Date	End Date	Notes
Titular See of Vescovìo	Titular Archbishop	9 October 1987	21 February 2001	Secretary of Congregation for Bishops
Congregation for Bishops	Prefect	16 September 2000	30 June 2010	Appointed numerous bishops globally
Sabina-Poggio Mirteto	Cardinal-Bishop	1 October 2002	Present	Elevatedਰ	Ostia	Cardinal-Bishop	18 January 2020	Present	Assumed with deanship
College of Cardinals	Dean	18 January 2020	Present	Chaired 2013 conclave

Significant events

• Ordained priest for the Diocese of Brescia in 1957.
• Consecrated titular Archbishop of Vescovìo by Pope John Paul II in 1987.
• Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
• Chaired the March 2013 papal conclave, leading to Pope Francis’ election.
• Elected Dean of the College of Cardinals in 2020, term extended in 2025.
• Blessed the coffin of Pope Benedict XVI at his funeral in 2023.

Books

Written about the bishop

• Il Giorno del Giudizio by Andrea Tornielli and Gianni Valente, ISBN 978-8856658422

Written by the bishop

• No known books authored by Cardinal Re.

External links

• Giovanni Battista Cardinal Re at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
• Biography of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at Vatican Press Office
• Vatican News article on term extension