Baldassare Reina
Stored: Baldassare Reina, Baldassare Reina
| His Eminence Baldassare Reina | |
| Bishop of Diocese of Rome | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Agrigento |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Ostia |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 8 September 1995 by Bishop Carmelo Ferraro |
| Consecration: | 29 June 2022 by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 7 December 2024 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Baldassare Reina 26 November 1970 San Giovanni Gemini, Sicily, Italy |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Italian |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | In Faith We Serve |
| Role: | Curial |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Baldassare Reina (born November 26, 1970) is an Italian Catholic cardinal and the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, appointed by Pope Francis in 2024. Affectionately known as "Don Baldo," Reina has rapidly ascended through the Church hierarchy, serving as an auxiliary bishop of Rome, vicegerent, and apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Ostia before his elevation to cardinal. His leadership in advancing Pope Francis' synodal reforms, particularly during the Jubilee 2025, and his commitment to a "transparent and poor Church" have established him as a prominent figure in the Roman Rite.[1][2]
Born in San Giovanni Gemini, Sicily, Reina entered the seminary at a young age and developed a deep expertise in biblical theology, serving nine years as rector of the Archdiocese of Agrigento’s major seminary. His moderate theological stance and pastoral focus on education and social justice have shaped his ministry, notably through initiatives like supporting the canonization cause of Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo. As cardinal and Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Reina plays a central role in the Vatican, remaining eligible for the papal conclave due to his age.[3][4]
Biography
Birth and early life
Baldassare Reina was born on 26 November 1970 in San Giovanni Gemini, a town in the Province of Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he showed an early calling to the priesthood, entering the minor seminary of the Archdiocese of Agrigento at age 11 in 1981.[2][5] His childhood was steeped in Sicily’s rich religious traditions, with active participation in parish life at local churches. The influence of Jesuit spirituality in Agrigento fostered his commitment to community service and intellectual pursuit.
Reina’s formative years in Sicily instilled a deep appreciation for the Roman Rite and the Church’s role in social cohesion. Inspired by local clergy involved in Catholic Action, he pursued a priestly vocation, a decision reinforced by his family’s faith and the vibrant Catholic culture of his hometown.[3] His early experiences laid the groundwork for his later ministry, emphasizing accessibility and dialogue with the faithful.
Education
Reina began his academic formation at the Archdiocese of Agrigento’s minor and major seminaries, studying philosophy and theology. In 1990, he enrolled at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, earning a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology in 1995 and a licentiate in biblical theology in 1998.[2][1] His studies at the Gregorian University provided a global perspective on Catholicism, exposing him to diverse theological traditions.
Reina’s academic career included teaching sacred Scripture at the San Gregorio Agrigentino Theological Studium and the Institute of Religious Sciences in Agrigento, shaping future priests with his expertise in biblical studies.[4] His moderate theological approach, developed through rigorous study, emphasized liturgical accessibility and pastoral relevance, influencing his later roles in the Diocese of Rome.[6]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on 8 September 1995 by Bishop Carmelo Ferraro for the Archdiocese of Agrigento, Reina began his ministry in Sicily.[2] He served as diocesan assistant for Catholic Action (1998–2001) and vice-rector of the Agrigento seminary, focusing on youth ministry and priestly formation.[4] As parish priest of Beata Maria Vergine dell’Itria in Favara (2001–2003) and San Leone in Agrigento (2009–2013), he strengthened community ties through the Roman Rite.[4]
From 2003 to 2009, Reina was prefect of studies at the San Gregorio Agrigentino Theological Studium, and from 2013 to 2022, he served as rector of Agrigento’s major seminary, earning recognition for his educational leadership.[3] He also held roles as director of the diocesan office for culture and canon of the Agrigento Cathedral, enhancing the Archdiocese of Agrigento’s spiritual and intellectual life.[7] In 2022, he joined the Dicastery for the Clergy in the Vatican, transitioning to curial service.[5]
Bishop
Reina’s episcopal ministry began on 27 May 2022, when Pope Francis appointed him titular bishop of Acquae in Mauretania and auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rome.[2] Consecrated on 29 June 2022 in the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, he oversaw the western sector of the diocese.[1] On 6 January 2023, he was named vicegerent and raised to archbishop, managing assets, legal affairs, and minor protection.[8]
On 6 April 2024, Reina became apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Ostia and provisional vicar general of Rome. On 6 October 2024, Pope Francis appointed him vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, announcing his elevation to cardinal on 7 December 2024 with the title of Santa Maria Assunta e San Giuseppe a Primavalle.[1][4] Named Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran on 25 October 2024, Reina has advanced synodal reforms, opened the Holy Door for Jubilee 2025, and supported social justice initiatives, including the canonization cause of Chiara Corbella Petrillo.[6][9][10]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Rome | Auxiliary Bishop | 27 May 2022 | 6 January 2023 | Titular bishop of Acquae in Mauretania; oversaw western sector |
| Diocese of Rome | Vicegerent (Archbishop) | 6 January 2023 | 6 October 2024 | Managed assets, legal affairs, and minor protection |
| Diocese of Ostia | Apostolic Administrator | 6 April 2024 | Present | Appointed during Rome’s reorganization |
| Diocese of Rome | Vicar General (Archbishop) | 6 October 2024 | Present | Elevated to cardinal on 7 December 2024; Archpriest of Saint John Lateran |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Agrigento by Bishop Carmelo Ferraro in 1995.[2]
- Appointed auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rome and titular bishop of Acquae in Mauretania in 2022.[2]
- Named vicegerent of the Diocese of Rome and raised to archbishop in 2023.[8]
- Became apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Ostia in April 2024.[2]
- Appointed vicar general of the Diocese of Rome and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on 7 December 2024.[4]
- Named Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran on 25 October 2024.[2]
- Opened the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran for Jubilee 2025 on 29 December 2024.[10]
- Presided at the diocesan phase closing for Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo’s canonization cause in June 2024.[1]
- Led a rosary for Pope Francis’ health in St. Peter’s Square on 27 February 2025.[11]
- Delivered a homily during the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis on 28 April 2025, urging continuation of papal reforms.[12]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books or articles specifically dedicated to Cardinal Baldassare Reina have been identified as of May 2025.
Written by the bishop
- No known books or publications authored by Cardinal Baldassare Reina have been identified as of May 2025.
External links
- Baldassare Cardinal Reina, Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Diocese of Rome
- Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vatican Press Office
- Cardinal Reina Appointed Vicar General, Vatican News, 6 October 2024
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Who is the Rome Diocese’s new vicar general, future Cardinal Baldassare Reina?, Catholic News Agency, 9 October 2024
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Baldassare Reina, Wikipedia, 30 April 2025
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cardinal Baldassare Reina, The College of Cardinals Report, 6 December 2024
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 REINA Card. Baldassare, Vatican Press Office
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 “Don Baldo” Reina, Francis’ choice to lead Diocese of Rome, Aleteia, 21 October 2024
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Conclavoscope
- ↑ Baldassare Reina, German Wikipedia, 27 May 2022
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Resignations and Appointments, Vatican Press Office, 5 January 2023
- ↑ Who is the Rome Diocese’s new vicar general, future Cardinal Baldassare Reina?, EWTN Vatican, 10 October 2024
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Cardinal Baldassare Reina opens Holy Door, EWTN Vatican on X, 29 December 2024
- ↑ Pope Francis’ health latest news, Catholic News Agency, 23 March 2025
- ↑ Full text: Homily of Cardinal Reina, Catholic News Agency, 28 April 2025
- Cargo Note**: The infobox fields `diocese`, `home_diocese`, and `other_diocese1` are likely defined as "Page" types in the
Stored: Baldassare Reina, Baldassare Reina
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