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'''Víctor Manuel Fernández''', born {{Birth date and age|1962|07|18}}, is an [[Argentina|Argentine]] [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Bishop (Catholic)|cardinal]] and Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, having served from 2023 until April 2025 following [[Pope Francis]]’ death. A theologian and close collaborator of Pope Francis, he was Archbishop of [[La Plata]] (2018–2023) and rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (2009–2018). Elevated to cardinal in 2023, he led the sixth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis in 2025, emphasizing the dignity of labor and the poor. | '''Víctor Manuel Fernández''', born {{Birth date and age|1962|07|18}}, is an [[Argentina|Argentine]] [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Bishop (Catholic)|cardinal]] and Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, having served from 2023 until April 2025 following [[Pope Francis]]’ death. A theologian and close collaborator of Pope Francis, he was Archbishop of [[La Plata]] (2018–2023) and rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (2009–2018). Elevated to cardinal in 2023, he led the sixth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis in 2025, emphasizing the dignity of labor and the poor.<ref name="wiki">{{Cite web |title=Víctor Manuel Fernández |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%ADctor_Manuel_Fern%C3%A1ndez |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref><ref name="vaticanbio">{{Cite web |title=FERNÁNDEZ Card. Víctor Manuel |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_fernandez.html |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Vatican Press Office}}</ref><ref name="cna2025">{{Cite web |title=At Novendiales Mass, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández recalls Pope Francis’ love of work |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260678/at-novendiales-mass-cardinal-victor-manuel-fernandez-recalls-pope-francis-love-of-work |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Catholic News Agency |date=2025-05-01}}</ref> His tenure at the Dicastery, marked by the controversial ''Fiducia Supplicans'' allowing blessings for same-sex couples, drew both praise for pastoral openness and criticism for unorthodox writings and alleged mishandling of abuse cases.<ref name="vaticannews2023">{{Cite web |title=Cardinal Fernández: Fiducia Supplicans seeks to express something beautiful and Christian |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/cardinal-fernandez-fiducia-supplicans-expresses-beauty-christian.html |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Vatican News |date=2023-12-18}}</ref><ref name="post3">{{Cite web |title=@dianemontagna: Fernández’s handling of abuse cases in La Plata raises concerns |url=https://t.co/9zZshN4U31 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=X |date=2023-07-02 |last=Montagna |first=Diane}}</ref> | ||
Born in [[Alcira Gigena]], [[Córdoba Province, Argentina]], Fernández, nicknamed “Tucho,” played a key role in drafting the 2007 Aparecida document with then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, shaping Pope Francis’ pontificate. As a progressive theologian, he advocated for synodality and inclusivity, but faced scrutiny for books like ''Heal Me with Your Mouth'' and ''Mystical Passion'', which he later withdrew, and for his handling of a 2019 abuse case in [[La Plata]]. Eligible for the 2025 [[papal conclave]], some X posts speculate on his influence, though his polarizing reputation divides opinions. | Born in [[Alcira Gigena]], [[Córdoba Province, Argentina]], Fernández, nicknamed “Tucho,” played a key role in drafting the 2007 Aparecida document with then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, shaping Pope Francis’ pontificate.<ref name="cardinalsreport">{{Cite web |title=Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández |url=https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/victor-manuel-fernandez |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=The College of Cardinals Report |date=2024-11-23}}</ref> As a progressive theologian, he advocated for synodality and inclusivity, but faced scrutiny for books like ''Heal Me with Your Mouth'' and ''Mystical Passion'', which he later withdrew, and for his handling of a 2019 abuse case in [[La Plata]].<ref name="cna2023books">{{Cite web |title=Cardinal Fernández says he did not intend to publish controversial books |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256589/cardinal-fernandez-says-he-did-not-intend-to-publish-controversial-books |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Catholic News Agency |date=2023-07-05}}</ref><ref name="post3" /> Eligible for the 2025 [[papal conclave]], some X posts speculate on his influence, though his polarizing reputation divides opinions.<ref name="post4">{{Cite web |title=@insidethevatican: Fernández’s progressive theology could shape conclave debates |url=https://t.co/8q0EYMb5dN |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=X |date=2025-04-30 |last=Inside The Vatican}}</ref> | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Birth and early life=== | ===Birth and early life=== | ||
Víctor Manuel Fernández was born on {{Birth date and age|1962|07|18}} in [[Alcira Gigena]], [[Córdoba Province, Argentina]], to Emilio Fernández, a shopkeeper, and Yolanda Martinelli. Nicknamed “Tucho” after footballer Norberto Méndez, he grew up in a modest family supportive of radical leader Raúl Alfonsín. He entered the Seminary of [[Córdoba]] in 1978, drawn to theology and pastoral work, influenced by the [[Saints|Saint]] [[Bonaventure]], whose integration of knowledge and life inspired his doctoral work. | Víctor Manuel Fernández was born on {{Birth date and age|1962|07|18}} in [[Alcira Gigena]], [[Córdoba Province, Argentina]], to Emilio Fernández, a shopkeeper, and Yolanda Martinelli.<ref name="wiki" /> Nicknamed “Tucho” after footballer Norberto Méndez, he grew up in a modest family supportive of radical leader Raúl Alfonsín.<ref name="cardinalsreport" /> He entered the Seminary of [[Córdoba]] in 1978, drawn to theology and pastoral work, influenced by the [[Saints|Saint]] [[Bonaventure]], whose integration of knowledge and life inspired his doctoral work.<ref name="vaticanbio" /> | ||
His rural upbringing and exposure to Argentina’s charismatic movement shaped his vibrant, Pentecostal-style ministry, often celebrating outdoor Masses due to large crowds. Fernández’s early commitment to the poor, later evident in his La Plata initiatives for food and shelter, reflected his belief in the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized. | His rural upbringing and exposure to Argentina’s charismatic movement shaped his vibrant, Pentecostal-style ministry, often celebrating outdoor Masses due to large crowds.<ref name="religiondigital">{{Cite web |title=Quién es el cardenal Víctor Manuel Fernández, proprefecto del Dicasterio para la Vida Consagrada |url=https://www.religiondigital.org/el_papa_de_la_semana/angel-fernandez-artime-proprefecto-dicasterio-vida-consagrada_0_2719228058.html |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Religión Digital |date=2025-01-05}}</ref> Fernández’s early commitment to the poor, later evident in his La Plata initiatives for food and shelter, reflected his belief in the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized.<ref name="cardinalsreport" /> | ||
===Education=== | ===Education=== | ||
Fernández studied at the Seminary of [[Córdoba]] and earned a licentiate in theology with a biblical specialization from the [[Pontifical Gregorian University]] in [[Rome]] in 1988. In 1990, he obtained a doctorate in theology from the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, with a thesis on the relationship between knowledge and life in [[Saint]] [[Bonaventure]]. He also served as a professor and dean at the same university, appointed rector in 2009 by then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio. | Fernández studied at the Seminary of [[Córdoba]] and earned a licentiate in theology with a biblical specialization from the [[Pontifical Gregorian University]] in [[Rome]] in 1988.<ref name="wiki" /> In 1990, he obtained a doctorate in theology from the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, with a thesis on the relationship between knowledge and life in [[Saint]] [[Bonaventure]].<ref name="vaticanbio" /> He also served as a professor and dean at the same university, appointed rector in 2009 by then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio.<ref name="cardinalsreport" /> | ||
His academic career faced scrutiny when the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) investigated his theology in the late 2000s, delaying his rector appointment until 2011. Fernández described the process as disrespectful but resolved serenely, clarifying his views to the CDF. His theological work, influenced by the Aparecida document, emphasized evangelization and pastoral accompaniment over rigid doctrinal enforcement. | His academic career faced scrutiny when the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) investigated his theology in the late 2000s, delaying his rector appointment until 2011.<ref name="wiki" /> Fernández described the process as disrespectful but resolved serenely, clarifying his views to the CDF.<ref name="cna2023books" /> His theological work, influenced by the Aparecida document, emphasized evangelization and pastoral accompaniment over rigid doctrinal enforcement.<ref name="religiondigital" /> | ||
===Priesthood=== | ===Priesthood=== | ||
Ordained a priest on 15 August 1986 by Bishop Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana for the [[Diocese of Villa de la Concepción del Río Cuarto]], Fernández served as director of catechesis, advisor to lay movements, and founder of the Jesús Buen Pastor College for sacred philosophy teachers (1990–1993). He was a parish priest, seminary formator, and ecumenical leader, founding a diocesan institute for lay formation. From 2008 to 2009, he was president of the Argentine Theological Society and dean of theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina. | Ordained a priest on 15 August 1986 by Bishop Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana for the [[Diocese of Villa de la Concepción del Río Cuarto]], Fernández served as director of catechesis, advisor to lay movements, and founder of the Jesús Buen Pastor College for sacred philosophy teachers (1990–1993).<ref name="wiki" /> He was a parish priest, seminary formator, and ecumenical leader, founding a diocesan institute for lay formation.<ref name="vaticanbio" /> From 2008 to 2009, he was president of the Argentine Theological Society and dean of theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina.<ref name="cardinalsreport" /> | ||
In 2007, Fernández served as a theological advisor to Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio at the Aparecida conference, co-drafting the influential document that became a blueprint for Pope Francis’ papacy. His appointment as university rector in 2009 was delayed by Vatican objections, but Bergoglio’s support secured approval in 2011. Fernández’s writings, including controversial books on spirituality and sensuality, drew criticism but reflected his aim to connect theology with human experience. | In 2007, Fernández served as a theological advisor to Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio at the Aparecida conference, co-drafting the influential document that became a blueprint for Pope Francis’ papacy.<ref name="cardinalsreport" /> His appointment as university rector in 2009 was delayed by Vatican objections, but Bergoglio’s support secured approval in 2011.<ref name="wiki" /> Fernández’s writings, including controversial books on spirituality and sensuality, drew criticism but reflected his aim to connect theology with human experience.<ref name="cna2023books" /><ref name="post5">{{Cite web |title=@catholicherald: Fernández’s explicit books spark debate over his suitability as cardinal |url=https://t.co/9zZshN4U31 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=X |date=2023-07-03 |last=Catholic Herald}}</ref> | ||
===Bishop=== | ===Bishop=== | ||
Named titular Archbishop of Tiburnia by [[Pope Francis]] on 13 May 2013, Fernández was consecrated on 15 June 2013 by Archbishop Mario Aurelio Poli in [[Buenos Aires]], with Bishops José María Arancedo, Eduardo Martín, Carlos Tissera, and Archbishop Andrés Stanovnik as co-consecrators. Appointed Archbishop of [[La Plata]] on 2 June 2018, he served until 2023, focusing on evangelization and support for the poor. On 1 July 2023, Pope Francis named him Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, a role he held from September 2023 until April 2025, resigning after Pope Francis’ death. | Named titular Archbishop of Tiburnia by [[Pope Francis]] on 13 May 2013, Fernández was consecrated on 15 June 2013 by Archbishop Mario Aurelio Poli in [[Buenos Aires]], with Bishops José María Arancedo, Eduardo Martín, Carlos Tissera, and Archbishop Andrés Stanovnik as co-consecrators.<ref name="wiki" /><ref name="catholichierarchy">{{Cite web |title=Víctor Manuel Cardinal Fernández |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bfernvic.html |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Catholic-Hierarchy.org}}</ref> Appointed Archbishop of [[La Plata]] on 2 June 2018, he served until 2023, focusing on evangelization and support for the poor.<ref name="wiki" /> On 1 July 2023, Pope Francis named him Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, a role he held from September 2023 until April 2025, resigning after Pope Francis’ death.<ref name="vaticanpress2023">{{Cite web |title=Appointment of Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/01/0486/01095.html |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Vatican Press Office |date=2023-07-01}}</ref><ref name="cna2025resign">{{Cite web |title=Cardinal Fernández resigns as Prefect following Pope Francis’ death |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260678/cardinal-fernandez-resigns-as-prefect-following-pope-francis-death |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Catholic News Agency |date=2025-04-21}}</ref> Elevated to cardinal on 30 September 2023, he received the deaconry of Santi Urbano e Lorenzo a Prima Porta.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
Fernández’s tenure as Prefect was transformative, issuing ''Fiducia Supplicans'' (2023) to allow blessings for same-sex couples, sparking global debate, with African bishops rejecting it. He also approved transgender godparents and baptisms and issued ''Dignitas Infinita'' (2024) on human dignity, rejecting gender ideology. His handling of a 2019 abuse case involving Father Eduardo Lorenzo in [[La Plata]] drew criticism from groups like BishopAccountability.org, though he acknowledged errors without admitting legal fault. In 2025, he led the sixth Novendiales Mass, emphasizing Pope Francis’ love for work and the poor. | Fernández’s tenure as Prefect was transformative, issuing ''Fiducia Supplicans'' (2023) to allow blessings for same-sex couples, sparking global debate, with African bishops rejecting it.<ref name="vaticannews2023" /><ref name="reuters2023">{{Cite web |title=African bishops reject Vatican’s same-sex blessings |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/african-bishops-reject-vaticans-call-same-sex-blessings-2023-12-20/ |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Reuters |date=2023-12-20}}</ref> He also approved transgender godparents and baptisms and issued ''Dignitas Infinita'' (2024) on human dignity, rejecting gender ideology.<ref name="vatican2024">{{Cite web |title=Dignitas Infinita: Declaration on Human Dignity |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/dicastery_for_doctrine_of_faith/documents/rc_ddf_2024-04-08_dignitas-infinita_en.html |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Vatican.va |date=2024-04-08}}</ref> His handling of a 2019 abuse case involving Father Eduardo Lorenzo in [[La Plata]] drew criticism from groups like BishopAccountability.org, though he acknowledged errors without admitting legal fault.<ref name="bishopaccountability">{{Cite web |title=Cardinal Fernández’s handling of Lorenzo case questioned |url=https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/07/cardinal-fernandez-handling-of-lorenzo-case/ |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=BishopAccountability.org |date=2023-07-10}}</ref><ref name="post3" /> In 2025, he led the sixth Novendiales Mass, emphasizing Pope Francis’ love for work and the poor.<ref name="cna2025" /><ref name="post7">{{Cite web |title=@CatholicNewsSvc: Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández celebrates sixth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis |url=https://t.co/IcVI7DCCGV |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=X |date=2025-05-01 |last=Catholic News Service}}</ref> X posts speculate on his conclave influence, citing his progressive theology.<ref name="post4" /> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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==Significant events== | ==Significant events== | ||
* Entered the Seminary of [[Córdoba]] in 1978. | * Entered the Seminary of [[Córdoba]] in 1978.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
* Ordained priest for the [[Diocese of Villa de la Concepción del Río Cuarto]] by Bishop Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana on 15 August 1986. | * Ordained priest for the [[Diocese of Villa de la Concepción del Río Cuarto]] by Bishop Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana on 15 August 1986.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
* Served as director of catechesis and founder of the Jesús Buen Pastor College in [[Río Cuarto]] from 1989 to 1993. | * Served as director of catechesis and founder of the Jesús Buen Pastor College in [[Río Cuarto]] from 1989 to 1993.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
* Co-drafted the Aparecida document as theological advisor to Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in 2007. | * Co-drafted the Aparecida document as theological advisor to Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in 2007.<ref name="cardinalsreport" /> | ||
* Appointed rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in 2009, approved in 2011 after CDF investigation. | * Appointed rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in 2009, approved in 2011 after CDF investigation.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
* Named titular Archbishop of Tiburnia by [[Pope Francis]] on 13 May 2013, consecrated on 15 June 2013. | * Named titular Archbishop of Tiburnia by [[Pope Francis]] on 13 May 2013, consecrated on 15 June 2013.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
* Appointed Archbishop of [[La Plata]] on 2 June 2018, enthroned on 16 June 2018. | * Appointed Archbishop of [[La Plata]] on 2 June 2018, enthroned on 16 June 2018.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
* Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on 1 July 2023, serving from September 2023 to April 2025. | * Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on 1 July 2023, serving from September 2023 to April 2025.<ref name="vaticanpress2023" /><ref name="cna2025resign" /> | ||
* Created cardinal by [[Pope Francis]] on 30 September 2023, with the deaconry of Santi Urbano e Lorenzo a Prima Porta. | * Created cardinal by [[Pope Francis]] on 30 September 2023, with the deaconry of Santi Urbano e Lorenzo a Prima Porta.<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
* Issued ''Fiducia Supplicans'' on 18 December 2023, allowing blessings for same-sex couples, prompting global debate. | * Issued ''Fiducia Supplicans'' on 18 December 2023, allowing blessings for same-sex couples, prompting global debate.<ref name="vaticannews2023" /><ref name="reuters2023" /> | ||
* Published ''Dignitas Infinita'' in April 2024, affirming Church teaching on human dignity and rejecting gender ideology. | * Published ''Dignitas Infinita'' in April 2024, affirming Church teaching on human dignity and rejecting gender ideology.<ref name="vatican2024" /> | ||
* Led the sixth Novendiales Mass for [[Pope Francis]] on 1 May 2025, emphasizing the dignity of labor and the poor. | * Led the sixth Novendiales Mass for [[Pope Francis]] on 1 May 2025, emphasizing the dignity of labor and the poor.<ref name="cna2025" /><ref name="post7" /> | ||
* Resigned as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in April 2025 following Pope Francis’ death. | * Resigned as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in April 2025 following Pope Francis’ death.<ref name="cna2025resign" /> | ||
==Books== | ==Books== | ||
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===Written by the bishop=== | ===Written by the bishop=== | ||
* ''Heal Me with Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing'', 1995 (withdrawn; described as catechesis for teens). | * ''Heal Me with Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing'', 1995 (withdrawn; described as catechesis for teens).<ref name="cna2023books" /> | ||
* ''Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality'', 1998 (withdrawn; written for young couples, later deemed misinterpretable). | * ''Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality'', 1998 (withdrawn; written for young couples, later deemed misinterpretable).<ref name="cna2023books" /> | ||
* ''The Healing Force of Mysticism'', post-1998 (noted as a more serious theological work). | * ''The Healing Force of Mysticism'', post-1998 (noted as a more serious theological work).<ref name="cna2023books" /> | ||
* ''The Transforming Force of Mysticism'', post-1998 (noted as a more serious theological work). | * ''The Transforming Force of Mysticism'', post-1998 (noted as a more serious theological work).<ref name="cna2023books" /> | ||
* ''El Programa del Papa Francisco: ¿Adonde nos quiere llevar?'', 2014 (outlining Pope Francis’ vision; not available in English). | * ''El Programa del Papa Francisco: ¿Adonde nos quiere llevar?'', 2014 (outlining Pope Francis’ vision; not available in English).<ref name="wiki" /> | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bfernvic.html Víctor Manuel Cardinal Fernández], Catholic-Hierarchy.org | * [https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bfernvic.html Víctor Manuel Cardinal Fernández], Catholic-Hierarchy.org | ||
* [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_fernandez.html FERNÁNDEZ Card. Víctor Manuel], Vatican Press Office | * [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_fernandez.html FERNÁNDEZ Card. Víctor Manuel], Vatican Press Office | ||
* [https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260678/at-novendiales-mass-cardinal-victor-manuel-fernandez-recalls-pope-francis-love-of-work At Novendiales Mass, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández recalls Pope Francis’ love of work], Catholic News Agency | * [https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260678/at-novendiales-mass-cardinal-victor-manuel-fernandez-recalls-pope-francis-love-of-work At Novendiales Mass, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández recalls Pope Francis’ love of work], Catholic News Agency | ||
* [https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/curia/dicastery-for-doctrine-of-faith/cardinal-victor-manuel-fernandez.html Some texts by Card. Víctor Manuel Fernández], Vatican.va | * [https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/curia/dicastery-for-doctrine-of-faith/cardinal-victor-manuel-fernandez.html Some texts by Card. Víctor Manuel Fernández], Vatican.va | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||