Domenico Battaglia

From Saintapedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Stored: Domenico Battaglia

His Eminence Domenico Battaglia
Bishop of Archdiocese of Naples
Home diocese: Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace
Other diocese 1: Diocese of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti
Other diocese 2:
Other diocese 3:
Ordination: 6 February 1988 by Archbishop Antonio Cantisani
Consecration: 3 September 2016 by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe
Rank: Cardinal
Created cardinal: 7 December 2024 by Pope Francis
Personal details
Born: Domenico Battaglia
20 January 1963
Satriano, Catanzaro Province, Italy
Died:
Nationality: Italian
Education: Pontifical Regional Seminary San Pio X
Motto: "Alzati, coraggio, ti chiama" (Take Courage, Rise, He Is Calling You)
Role: Pastoral
Theology: Progressive
Region: Europe
Rite: Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility: Eligible


Domenico Battaglia, born on (1963-01-20) 20 January 1963 (age 62), is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Naples since 2020 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on 7 December 2024.[1] Born in Satriano, Catanzaro Province, Italy, he was ordained a priest in 1988 for the Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace and served as Bishop of the Diocese of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti from 2016 to 2020.[2] Known as “Don Mimmo” and the “Bergoglio of Southern Italy,” his progressive theology emphasizes outreach to the poor, drug addicts, and youth, alongside a strong stance against organized crime, particularly the Camorra and ‘Ndrangheta.[3] Elevated to cardinal-priest of San Marco Evangelista in Agro Laurentino, he is a member of the Dicastery for Evangelization since 2025.[2]

Battaglia’s ministry includes hands-on initiatives in Naples’ impoverished districts and educational projects to combat mafia influence, though 2024 allegations of mafia ties to the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Southern Italy, where he is grand chancellor, remain unaddressed and unverified.[4] His ban on the Traditional Latin Mass in Naples, per **Traditionis Custodes**, sparked protests, reflecting liturgical tensions.[4] Eligible for the 2025 papal conclave at age 62, Battaglia is noted in X posts for his pastoral work, though papabile speculation lacks primary evidence.[5] He continues to advocate for social justice and a Church focused on the marginalized.[6]post:2,3,5,6

Biography

Birth and early life

Domenico Battaglia, nicknamed “Don Mimmo,” was born on 20 January 1963 in Satriano, Catanzaro Province, Italy, in the Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace.[1] He attended the Seminary of Squillace for middle school and the archdiocesan Seminary in Catanzaro for high school, earning a classical diploma.[2] His family’s devotion to Saints, particularly Francis of Assisi, shaped his vocation.[7]

Raised in Calabria, a region plagued by the ‘Ndrangheta mafia, Battaglia’s early life fostered his commitment to social justice.[3] His rural upbringing in a City grounded his focus on the marginalized.[8]

Education

Battaglia studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Regional Seminary San Pio X in Catanzaro, completing his formation without a Religious order.[2] He was ordained a priest on 6 February 1988 by Archbishop Antonio Cantisani in the Roman Rite.[1] He later engaged in pastoral training through his work with therapeutic communities.[7]

His roles included rector of the Archdiocesan Lyceum Seminary in Catanzaro, equipping him for pastoral leadership.[2] Battaglia speaks Italian and has pastoral fluency in local dialects.[8]

Priesthood

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace in 1988, Battaglia served as rector of the Archdiocesan Lyceum Seminary (1989–1992), member of the Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace (1989–1992), parish administrator in Sant’Elia (1992–1999), parish priest of Madonna del Carmine in Catanzaro (1992–1999), director of the Diocesan Office for Missionary Cooperation (1992–1999), and parish priest in Satriano (1992–1999).[1] From 1992 to 2016, he was president of the Calabrian Solidarity Centre, linked to Don Mario Picchi’s CeIS, and from 2006 to 2015, national president of the Italian Federation of Therapeutic Communities (FICT).[2] He was vice-president of the Betania Foundation in Catanzaro (2000–2006).[6]

His priesthood focused on drug addicts, youth, and anti-mafia efforts, earning him the “street priest” title.[3] His solidarity work shaped his episcopal mission.[7]

Bishop

Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti on 24 June 2016 by Pope Francis, Battaglia was consecrated on 3 September 2016 by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe.[1] Named Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Naples on 12 December 2020, he took possession on 2 February 2021, succeeding Cardinal Sepe.[2] Elevated to cardinal-priest of San Marco Evangelista in Agro Laurentino on 7 December 2024, he was appointed to the Dicastery for Evangelization on 11 January 2025.[6]

His progressive theology emphasizes social justice and inclusivity, though his 2024 ban on the Traditional Latin Mass and unverified mafia allegations at the Pontifical Theological Faculty drew criticism.[4] X posts praise his work with the poor.[9]post:2,3,5

Diocese Role Start Date End Date Notes
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti Diocesan Bishop 24 June 2016 12 December 2020 Consecrated 3 September 2016
Archdiocese of Naples Archbishop 12 December 2020 Present Installed 2 February 2021, cardinal since 2024

Significant events

  • Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace on 6 February 1988 by Archbishop Antonio Cantisani.[1]
  • Served as president of the Calabrian Solidarity Centre (1992–2016) and national president of the Italian Federation of Therapeutic Communities (2006–2015).[2]
  • Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti on 24 June 2016 by Pope Francis.[1]
  • Consecrated on 3 September 2016 by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe.[1]
  • Appointed Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Naples on 12 December 2020.[2]
  • Responded to Naples violence in October 2021, urging mafia members to “be converted.”[3]
  • Oversaw the liquefaction of St. Januarius’ blood on 19 September 2024, emphasizing “love is stronger than death.”[3]
  • Banned Traditional Latin Mass in Naples in April 2024, per **Traditionis Custodes**, sparking protests.[4]
  • Faced unverified mafia infiltration allegations at the Pontifical Theological Faculty in 2024.[4]
  • Elevated to cardinal-priest of San Marco Evangelista in Agro Laurentino on 7 December 2024.[6]
  • Appointed to the Dicastery for Evangelization on 11 January 2025.[2]

Books

Written about the bishop

Written by the bishop

  • Battaglia, Mimmo (2009). Un filo d'erba tra i sassi. Soveria Mannelli: Rubbettino Editore. ISBN 9788849823882. 
  • Battaglia, Virginio; Colmegna (2010). I poveri hanno sempre ragione. Storie di preti di strada. Assisi: Cittadella Editrice. ISBN 9788830811096. 
  • Battaglia, Mimmo (2012). Vecchie ciabatte... calzari di angeli. La tenerezza di un prete in cammino con gli ultimi. Terlizzi: Ed Insieme. ISBN 9788876021688. 
  • Battaglia, Domenico (2019). Sulle tracce di Dio. Segni di speranza per gli uomini di oggi. Roma: AVE. ISBN 9788832711516. 
  • Battaglia, Domenico (2020). Seduto accanto alla mia povertà. Avvolto nel silenzio della Sua presenza. Terlizzi: Ed Insieme. ISBN 9788876023293. 
  • Battaglia, Domenico (2021). Napoli. Il colore della speranza. Milano: Paoline. ISBN 9788831554930. 

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Cheney, David M.. "Domenico Cardinal Battaglia". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/battd.html. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Cardinal Domenico Battaglia". 7 December 2024. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_battaglia.html. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Brockhaus, Hannah (14 November 2024). "Italy’s Mafia-fighting ‘street priest’ Archbishop Domenico Battaglia to become a cardinal". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260155/italy-mafia-fighting-street-priest-archbishop-domenico-battaglia-to-become-a-cardinal. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 White, Christopher (7 November 2024). "Cardinal-elect targeted by ‘poison pen’ campaign". https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/cardinal-elect-targeted-by-poison-pen-campaign. 
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named lanacion
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Pope Francis adds a Cardinal to the Consistory, Archbishop Battaglia of Naples". 4 November 2024. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-11/pope-francis-adds-a-cardinal-to-the-consistory-archbishop-battaglia.html. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Cardinal Domenico Battaglia". 6 December 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/domenico-battaglia. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Domenico Battaglia". 27 December 2016. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domenico_Battaglia_(cardinale). 
  9. ↑ "Cardinal Domenico Battaglia". https://conclavoscope.com/cardinals/domenico-battaglia. 
Retrieved from "https://saintapedia.org/w/index.php?title=Domenico_Battaglia&oldid=10819"