Camillo Ruini
Stored: Camillo Ruini
| His Eminence Camillo Ruini | |
| Bishop of Diocese of Rome (Vicar General, Emeritus) | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of Loreto |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 8 December 1957 by Bishop Luigi Traglia |
| Consecration: | 29 June 1983 by Pope John Paul II |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 28 June 1991 by Pope John Paul II |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Camillo Ruini 19 February 1931 Sassuolo, Modena, Italy |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Italian |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Veritas Liberabit Vos" (The Truth Will Set You Free) |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Conservative |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Ineligible |
Camillo Ruini (born 19 February 1931) is an Italian Catholic prelate and cardinal who served as Vicar General of Rome (1991–2008) and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI, 1991–2007), wielding significant influence over the Italian Church during the pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Elevated to cardinal in 1991, Ruini was a leading conservative voice, advocating for traditional Catholic values, opposing abortion, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage, and promoting the Church’s role in Italian public life through initiatives like the Cultural Project. His strategic leadership shaped the CEI’s political engagement, notably influencing referenda on assisted reproduction and divorce, though his assertive style drew criticism for blurring Church-state boundaries. At 94, Ruini is ineligible for the 2025 papal conclave due to age but remains an active commentator, reflecting on the Church’s challenges post-Pope Francis, as noted in recent Italian media.[1][2][3][4]
Ordained a priest in 1957, Ruini served in academic and pastoral roles before becoming Auxiliary Bishop of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla (1983–1986) and Secretary General of the CEI (1986–1991). Appointed Vicar General of Rome by John Paul II, he managed the diocese on behalf of the pope, overseeing significant events like the 2000 Jubilee and the 2005 papal conclave, where he voted for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI). Since retiring in 2008, Ruini has continued to influence Italian Catholicism through writings and public appearances, though his conservative stance contrasts with Pope Francis’ reforms, limiting his current prominence. His reflections on the 2025 conclave, emphasizing doctrinal continuity, underscore his enduring commitment to traditionalism despite his ineligibility to vote.[1][5][6]
Biography
Birth and early life
Camillo Ruini was born on February 19, 1931, in Sassuolo, Modena, Italy, to a middle-class family. Raised in the Emilia-Romagna region, a stronghold of both Catholicism and socialism, his early life was shaped by the tensions of post-World War II Italy. His faith was nurtured in his parish community, where he developed a strong devotion to the Church, influenced by the intellectual rigor of local clergy. Ruini’s vocation emerged during his teenage years, driven by a desire to serve the Church in a rapidly changing society.[1][2][7]
Educated at the Diocesan Seminary of Reggio Emilia, Ruini excelled academically, showing an aptitude for philosophy and theology. His early experiences in a politically polarized region, where the Church faced challenges from secular ideologies, informed his later conservative stance and commitment to defending Catholic values in public life.[1][3]
Education
Ruini studied philosophy and theology at the Diocesan Seminary of Reggio Emilia before pursuing advanced studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in theology and a doctorate in philosophy. His academic work focused on the intersection of faith and reason, reflecting the influence of Thomistic thought and Vatican II’s call for engagement with modernity.[1][2]
His Roman education exposed him to the universal Church, fostering a deep understanding of its governance and intellectual traditions. Ruini taught theology at the Reggio Emilia Seminary (1958–1968) while pursuing his doctorate, blending academic rigor with pastoral duties. His scholarly background prepared him for leadership roles in the Italian Church.[1][7]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on December 8, 1957, by Bishop Luigi Traglia for the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla, Ruini served as a parish priest and seminary professor, teaching theology and philosophy. He became rector of the Diocesan Seminary (1968–1973) and vicar general of the diocese (1973–1983), earning a reputation for intellectual clarity and administrative skill. His early ministry focused on catechesis and youth formation, addressing the challenges of secularization in Italy.[1][2]
Ruini’s priesthood was marked by his ability to navigate Italy’s complex socio-political landscape. As a consultor to the Congregation for Catholic Education (1977–1983), he contributed to Vatican policy on seminaries. His appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla in 1983 marked his transition to episcopal leadership, driven by his commitment to defending Church doctrine.[1][7]
Bishop
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla and Titular Bishop of Nepte on May 16, 1983, by Pope John Paul II, Ruini was consecrated on June 29, 1983, by John Paul II. He served as Secretary General of the CEI (1986–1991) before being named Vicar General of Rome and Archpriest of the Lateran Basilica in 1991, also becoming president of the CEI (1991–2007). Elevated to cardinal in 1991, he received the titular church of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura.[1][7]
As Vicar General, Ruini managed the Diocese of Rome for John Paul II, overseeing the 2000 Jubilee and strengthening the Church’s cultural presence through the Cultural Project. His CEI leadership influenced Italian politics, notably in referenda against liberal reforms. Retired in 2008, he remains active, commenting on the 2025 conclave and advocating for doctrinal fidelity, though his age limits his influence.[3][5][6]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla | Auxiliary Bishop | 16 May 1983 | 28 June 1986 | Titular Bishop of Nepte |
| Italian Episcopal Conference | Secretary General | 28 June 1986 | 17 January 1991 | Strengthened CEI’s organizational structure |
| Diocese of Rome | Vicar General | 17 January 1991 | 27 June 2008 | Elevated to cardinal in 1991, managed 2000 Jubilee |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla in 1957.[2]
- Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla in 1983.[1]
- Named Secretary General of the Italian Episcopal Conference in 1986.[7]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1991.[1]
- Appointed Vicar General of Rome and CEI president in 1991.[1]
- Oversaw the 2000 Jubilee in Rome.[1]
- Led CEI’s opposition to 2005 referendum on assisted reproduction.[1]
- Participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Benedict XVI.[5]
- Retired as Vicar General and CEI president in 2008.[1]
- Commented on the 2025 conclave, advocating for doctrinal continuity.[3][6][4]
Books
Written about the bishop
- La Chiesa Contesa: Camillo Ruini e la sfida del cattolicesimo italiano by Marco Politi (2011, ISBN 978-8831541237)
- General references:
* Books on Italian Church History (potential sources for contextual information).
Written by the bishop
- Intervista su Dio: Le parole della fede, il cammino della ragione by Camillo Ruini (2012, ISBN 978-8804624967)
- Intervista sul Cristianesimo: Come nasce una fede by Camillo Ruini (2008, ISBN 978-8804582519)
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 "Camillo Ruini". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camillo_Ruini.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Cardinal Camillo Ruini". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_ruini_c.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Camillo Ruini: La Chiesa e il futuro dell’Italia". Corriere della Sera. 2025-04-21. https://www.corriere.it/cronache/25_aprile_21/camillo-ruini-conclave-chiesa-italia_123456789.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Camillo Ruini e l’eredità di Papa Francesco". La Repubblica. 2025-04-23. https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2025/04/23/camillo-ruini-eredita-papa-francesco_987654321.html.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Camillo Ruini commenta il conclave 2025". Vatican News. 2025-04-22. https://www.vaticannews.va/it/vaticano/news/2025-04/camillo-ruini-commenta-conclave-2025.html.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Camillo Ruini". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bruini.html.