Arrigo Miglio
Stored: Arrigo Miglio
| His Eminence Arrigo Miglio | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Cagliari | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Ivrea |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Iglesias |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of Ivrea |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 23 September 1967 by Bishop Luigi Bettazzi |
| Consecration: | 25 April 1992 by Bishop Luigi Bettazzi |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 27 August 2022 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Arrigo Miglio 18 July 1942 San Giorgio Canavese, Piedmont, Italy |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Italy |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Gaudium Vestrum Impleatur" (That Your Joy May Be Complete) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Ineligible |
Arrigo Miglio, born on 18 July 1942, is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church, who served as the Archbishop of Cagliari from 2012 to 2019 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.[1] Born in San Giorgio Canavese, Italy, he was ordained a priest in 1967 for the Diocese of Ivrea, served as Bishop of Iglesias from 1992 to 1999, and as Bishop of Ivrea from 1999 to 2012.[2] Known for his moderate theology, commitment to social justice, and pastoral leadership, Miglio has been a key figure in the Italian Church, serving as president of the Sardinian Episcopal Conference (2012–2019) and president of the scientific committee for the Social Weeks of Catholic Italians.[3] Since October 2022, he has been the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Iglesias.[4]
Miglio’s ministry has emphasized social issues, labor, justice, and peace, notably through his leadership in the Italian Episcopal Conference’s (CEI) Episcopal Commission for Social Issues.[5] His tenure in Cagliari included welcoming Pope Francis in 2013 and promoting dialogue in Sardinia’s socio-economic challenges.[6] As a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, he has supported Christian communities in the Holy Land.[7] His elevation to cardinal at age 80, making him ineligible for the 2025 papal conclave, was seen as a recognition of his lifelong service, with Sardinian leaders like Christian Solinas praising his humility and love for the region.[3][8] Now emeritus, Miglio continues to serve as Apostolic Administrator, focusing on pastoral care and Church governance.[4]
Biography
Birth and early life
Arrigo Miglio was born on 18 July 1942 in San Giorgio Canavese, Piedmont, Italy, to a Catholic family.[1] He attended primary and secondary schools in Ivrea, showing an early interest in theology and scripture.[2] His vocational discernment led him to enter the seminary of Ivrea in 1958, influenced by the region’s strong Catholic tradition.[7]
Growing up in post-war Italy, Miglio’s early experiences shaped his focus on social justice and community service, which later defined his episcopal ministry.[5] His pastoral approach was informed by his Piedmontese roots and engagement with local Catholic organizations.[9]
Education
Miglio studied at the seminary of Ivrea and completed a preparatory year at the seminary of Turin before attending the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, earning a licentiate in theology.[2] He also studied at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, obtaining a licentiate in Sacred Scripture.[10] He was ordained a priest on 23 September 1967 by Bishop Luigi Bettazzi.[1]
His academic roles included teaching Sacred Scripture at the Faculty of Theology of Northern Italy, enhancing his pastoral and social justice focus.[9] Miglio’s education equipped him for leadership in addressing Italy’s socio-economic challenges.[5]
Priesthood
Ordained for the Diocese of Ivrea in 1967, Miglio served as vicar and parish priest in Ivrea, director of the “Casa dell’ospitalità,” and director of the Casa alpina “Gino Pistoni” in Gressoney-Saint-Jean.[7] He was vicar episcopal for pastoral care (1980) and vicar general of Ivrea (1981–1992).[9] From 1990 to 1997, he was general ecclesiastical assistant for the Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts Association (AGESCI).[7]
Miglio’s priesthood emphasized community engagement, particularly in youth ministry and social outreach, aligning with his later episcopal focus on labor and justice.[5] His leadership in Ivrea’s pastoral structures laid the groundwork for his episcopal appointments.[2]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Iglesias on 25 March 1992 by Pope John Paul II, Miglio was consecrated on 25 April 1992 by Bishop Luigi Bettazzi, with Archbishop Ottorino Pietro Alberti and Bishop Giovanni Cogoni as co-consecrators.[1] Named Bishop of Ivrea on 20 February 1999, he served until 25 February 2012, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Cagliari.[6] He received the metropolitan pallium on 29 June 2012.[6]
As Archbishop of Cagliari, Miglio led the Sardinian Episcopal Conference (2012–2019) and welcomed Pope Francis in 2013.[3] He resigned as archbishop on 16 November 2019, succeeded by Giuseppe Baturi, and was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Iglesias in October 2022.[4] Elevated to cardinal-priest of San Clemente on 27 August 2022, his ineligibility for the 2025 conclave reflects his age (over 80).[8]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Iglesias | Diocesan Bishop | 25 March 1992 | 20 February 1999 | Consecrated in 1992 |
| Diocese of Ivrea | Diocesan Bishop | 20 February 1999 | 25 February 2012 | Returned to home diocese |
| Archdiocese of Cagliari | Metropolitan Archbishop | 25 February 2012 | 16 November 2019 | President of Sardinian Episcopal Conference |
| Diocese of Iglesias | Apostolic Administrator | 6 October 2022 | Present | Appointed post-retirement |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Ivrea in 1967.[1]
- Appointed general ecclesiastical assistant for AGESCI (1990–1997).[7]
- Appointed Bishop of Iglesias in 1992.[1]
- Named Bishop of Ivrea in 1999.[6]
- Appointed Archbishop of Cagliari in 2012.[6]
- Elected president of the Sardinian Episcopal Conference (2012–2019).[3]
- Welcomed Pope Francis to Cagliari in 2013.[6]
- Resigned as Archbishop of Cagliari in 2019.[4]
- Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Iglesias in 2022.[4]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.[2]
- Confirmed as ineligible for the 2025 papal conclave due to age.[8]
Books
Written about the bishop
- Mazurczak, Filip (27 August 2022). "Cardinal Arrigo Miglio: A Pastor for Sardinia". https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/08/27/meet-the-new-cardinals-arrigo-miglio/.
- "Consistory: Monsignor Arrigo Miglio Appointed Cardinal". 29 May 2022. https://www.unionesarda.it/en/news-sardinia/cagliari/consistory-in-the-college-of-cardinals-also-monsignor-arrigo-miglio-bishop-emeritus-of-cagliari-gx6sm6jk.
- "Monsignor Arrigo Miglio creato cardinale". 29 May 2022. https://www.ilporticocagliari.it/monsignor-arrigo-miglio-creato-cardinale/.
Written by the bishop
- No books or major publications by Cardinal Arrigo Miglio have been identified in available sources, though he has contributed forewords and pastoral letters on social justice and peace.[2]
External links
- Arrigo Cardinal Miglio at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Il Cardinale Miglio Amministratore Apostolico at Diocesi di Iglesias
- Cardinal Arrigo Miglio at Vatican Press
- S.Em. Card. Arrigo Miglio at Conferenza Episcopale Italiana
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Cheney, David M.. "Arrigo Cardinal Miglio". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/miglio.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Arrigo Miglio". 27 August 2022. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_miglio.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Consistory: Monsignor Arrigo Miglio Appointed Cardinal". 29 May 2022. https://www.unionesarda.it/en/news-sardinia/cagliari/consistory-in-the-college-of-cardinals-also-monsignor-arrigo-miglio-bishop-emeritus-of-cagliari-gx6sm6jk.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Il Cardinale Miglio Amministratore Apostolico della Diocesi". 6 October 2022. https://www.diocesiiglesias.it/il-cardinale-miglio-amministratore-apostolico-della-diocesi/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Mazurczak, Filip (27 August 2022). "Cardinal Arrigo Miglio: A Pastor for Sardinia". https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/08/27/meet-the-new-cardinals-arrigo-miglio/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 "Arrigo Miglio". 17 November 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrigo_Miglio.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Arrigo Miglio". 7 November 2007. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrigo_Miglio.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Piqué, Elisabetta (25 April 2025). "Quiénes son los cardenales que participarán del cónclave". https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/quienes-son-los-cardenales-que-participaran-del-conclave-nid25042025/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Arrigo Miglio". 11 September 2022. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrigo_Miglio.
- ↑ "Miglio, Arrigo". https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/arrigo-miglio/.