Fabio Baggio
Stored: Fabio Baggio, Fabio Baggio
| His Eminence Fabio Baggio | |
| Bishop of | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Vicenza |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 11 July 1992 by Bishop Arnoldo Onisto |
| Consecration: | 11 January 2025 by Cardinal Michael Czerny |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 7 December 2024 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Fabio Baggio January 15, 1965 Bassano del Grappa, Veneto, Italy |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Italian |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | Touch, Witness, Pray |
| Role: | Curial |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Fabio Baggio, born January 15, 1965, is an Italian Catholic cardinal and Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development since 2022. A member of the Missionaries of Saint Charles, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2024, initially as a priest, and ordained titular Archbishop of Urusi in 2025. His work focuses on migration, ecology, and interreligious dialogue, notably through leading the Borgo Laudato Si’ project and advocating for migrant pastoral care, reflecting his commitment to the Roman Rite and solidarity with the marginalized.[1][2][3]
Born in Bassano del Grappa, Veneto, Baggio forged a friendship with then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio while serving in Buenos Aires, shaping his focus on migration. His 2025 mission to El Paso, Texas, addressed migration challenges, and his musical talents as a composer of Christian songs add a unique dimension to his ministry. As a cardinal, he is eligible for the 2025 papal conclave, where his expertise in migration and ecology positions him as a significant voice in the Vatican.[4][5][6]
Biography
Birth and early life
Fabio Baggio was born on January 15, 1965 in Bassano del Grappa, Veneto, Italy, to a Catholic family with three children.[1] Raised in a musical household, he developed an early passion for music, later composing Christian songs.[5] At age 11, he entered the Scalabrinian minor seminary in Bassano del Grappa, drawn to the order’s mission of serving migrants, inspired by Saint Charles Borromeo.[2][7]
His childhood in a family that “suffered to survive” instilled a sense of responsibility toward the less fortunate, shaping his lifelong commitment to solidarity and migration advocacy. The supportive brotherhood of the Scalabrinian seminary reinforced his vocation, leading to his perpetual vows in 1991.[7][8]
Education
Baggio earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, followed by a licentiate and doctorate in church history in 1998, specializing in contemporary migration.[1][2] His doctoral work focused on the Argentine Church’s response to Italian immigration (1870–1915), reflecting his Scalabrinian mission.[9] He also studied at the Scalabrini International Migration Institute (SIMI), enhancing his expertise in migration studies.
He taught at universities in Chile, Argentina, the Philippines, and Rome, including the Pontifical Urban University, where he became a full professor in 2013. His academic work, blending theology and migration, supports his progressive vision for the Church’s role in addressing global challenges like climate-driven displacement.[7][10]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on 11 July 1992 by Bishop Arnoldo Onisto for the Diocese of Vicenza, Baggio served as a pastor in Santiago, Chile from 1995 to 1997, advising the Chilean Episcopal Commission for Migration (INCAMI).[1][11] From 1997 to 2002, he directed the Migration Department of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, collaborating with Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, forming a lasting friendship.[5] He also served as national secretary of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Argentina (1999–2002).[2]
From 2002 to 2010, Baggio directed the Scalabrini Migration Center in Quezon City, Philippines, managing the Asian and Pacific Migration Journal. In 2010, he became director of SIMI in Rome, teaching at the Pontifical Urban University. Appointed Undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section in 2017 and of the entire Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2022, he has focused on migration and ecology, directing the Borgo Laudato Si’ project since 2023.[8][12]
Bishop
Appointed titular Archbishop of Urusi by Pope Francis on 31 October 2024, Baggio was elevated to cardinal on 7 December 2024, assigned the deaconry of San Filippo Neri in Eurosia.[1][13] He was consecrated on 11 January 2025 by Cardinal Michael Czerny in Bassano del Grappa, with Cardinals Silvano Maria Tomasi and Bishop Giuliano Brugnotto as co-consecrators.[13] In 2025, he joined the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life (11 January) and the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (1 April).[9]
Baggio’s curial work emphasizes migration, ecology, and interreligious dialogue, notably through his 2025 mission to El Paso, Texas, addressing pastoral care for migrants.[4] His motto, “Touch, Witness, Pray,” reflects his episcopal ministry, inspired by Cardinal Czerny’s homily.[13] As a cardinal, he is eligible for the 2025 papal conclave, with X posts noting his expertise in migration and solidarity.[6][14]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urusi | Titular Archbishop | 31 October 2024 | Present | Appointed by Pope Francis; elevated to cardinal in 2024 |
Significant events
- Entered the Scalabrinian minor seminary in Bassano del Grappa in 1976.[1]
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Vicenza by Bishop Arnoldo Onisto in 1992.[1]
- Earned a doctorate in church history from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1998.[2]
- Directed the Migration Department of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, collaborating with Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, from 1997 to 2002.[5]
- Directed the Scalabrini Migration Center in Quezon City, Philippines, from 2002 to 2010.[10]
- Appointed director of the Scalabrini International Migration Institute in Rome in 2010.[7]
- Appointed Undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, in 2017.[8]
- Appointed Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2022.[8]
- Named director of the Borgo Laudato Si’ and Centro di Alta Formazione Laudato Si’ in 2023.[12]
- Appointed titular Archbishop of Urusi by Pope Francis on 31 October 2024.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on 7 December 2024, with the deaconry of San Filippo Neri in Eurosia.[2]
- Consecrated archbishop by Cardinal Michael Czerny on 11 January 2025.[13]
- Participated in a regional meeting on migration pastoral care in El Paso, Texas, from 24 to 27 March 2025.[4]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books or articles specifically dedicated to Cardinal Fabio Baggio have been identified as of May 2025.
Written by the bishop
- La Chiesa argentina di fronte all'immigrazione italiana tra il 1870 ed il 1915, Pontificia Università Gregoriana, 1998.[9]
- Faith on the Move: Toward a Theology of Migration in Asia, co-edited with Agnes M. Brazal, Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2008, ISBN 9789715505574.[9]
- Mediterraneo crocevia di popoli, with Aldo Skoda Pashkja, Urbaniana University Press, 2012, ISBN 9788840170923.[9]
- Pastorale giovanile interculturale. Volume 2, co-edited with Francis-Vincent Anthony, Editrice LAS, 2012, ISBN 9788821311918.[9]
- Sfide alla Chiesa in cammino. Strutture di pastorale migratoria, Urbaniana University Press, 2015, ISBN 9788840160726.[9]
- Non di solo pane. Mobilità umana e sviluppo: scenari possibili, Urbaniana University Press, 2015, ISBN 9788840170909.[9]
- Oltre ogni confine. Formare i giovani all'interculturalità, co-authored with Gabriele Beltrami, Antonella Mattei, and Enrico Selleri, Edizioni Paoline, 2019, ISBN 9788831550246.[9]
- Attualità del magistero sui migranti, co-edited with Andrea Riccardi, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2020, ISBN 8826603294.[9]
External links
- Fabio Cardinal Baggio, Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- BAGGIO Card. Fabio, C.S., Vatican Press Office
- Cardinal Fabio Baggio ordained bishop in Bassano del Grappa, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
- Father Fabio Baggio Appointed Cardinal, Centro Laudato Si
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Fabio Baggio, Wikipedia
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 BAGGIO Card. Fabio, C.S., Vatican Press Office
- ↑ Meet Pope Francis’ personal travel agent — new cardinal George Koovakad, Catholic News Agency, 7 November 2024
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Mission of Cardinal Fabio Baggio in El Paso, Texas, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, 25 March 2025
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Interview with future Cardinal Baggio, old friend of Francis, Aleteia, 20 November 2024
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 El cardenal Fabio Baggio italiano y misionero scalabriniano, @DBarovero on X, 27 April 2025
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., The College of Cardinals Report, 6 December 2024
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Fr Fabio Baggio among new Cardinals, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, 31 July 2024
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 Fabio Baggio, Italian Wikipedia
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., International Catholic Migration Commission
- ↑ Fabio Cardinal Baggio, Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Father Fabio Baggio Appointed Cardinal, Centro Laudato Si, 7 October 2024
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Cardinal Fabio Baggio ordained bishop in Bassano del Grappa, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, 12 January 2025
- ↑ CONOSCIAMO IL CARDINALE ELETTORE FABIO BAGGIO, @infocattolica on X, 28 April 2025
- Cargo Note**: The infobox field `home_diocese` is likely defined as a "Page" type in the
Stored: Fabio Baggio, Fabio Baggio
| Fabio Baggio | |
| Bishop of | |
| Home diocese: | |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | |
| Consecration: | |
| Rank: | |
| Created cardinal: | |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | [[]] |
| Education: | |
| Motto: | |
| Role: | |
| Theology: | |
| Region: | |
| Rite: | |
| Conclave Eligibility: | |
Cargo infobox, which may cause automatic linking to Diocese of Vicenza in the rendered output due to Cargo’s default behavior. To fully suppress links, the Cargo table schema may need to use "String" field types, or the template may require display parameters (e.g., |home_diocese_display=Diocese of Vicenza). Without access to the template’s code, plain text values are used as requested, but linking may persist unless the template is modified.