Francesco Montenegro
Stored: Francesco Montenegro
| His Eminence Francesco Montenegro | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Agrigento (Emeritus) | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 8 August 1969 by Archbishop Francesco Fasola |
| Consecration: | 29 April 2000 by Archbishop Giovanni Marra |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 14 February 2015 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Francesco Montenegro 22 May 1946 Messina, Italy |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Italian |
| Education: | Ignatianum (Messina), Seminario Arcivescovile S. Pio X (Messina) |
| Motto: | "Caritas Sine Modo" (Charity Without Measure) |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Francesco Montenegro, born May 22, 1946, is an Italian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop Emeritus of Agrigento since 2021 and as apostolic administrator of Piana degli Albanesi since 2023.[1] Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2015, Montenegro is recognized for his advocacy for migrants and refugees, particularly in Agrigento, a key entry point for African migrants, where he promoted welcoming policies and communion-based pastoral care.[2] His episcopal motto, “Caritas Sine Modo” (Charity Without Measure), reflects his commitment to social justice and the poor, evident in his leadership of Caritas Italiana (2003–2008) and his focus on poverty alleviation.[3] At 78, Montenegro is ineligible for the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, having exceeded the age limit of 80 as of April 21, 2025.[4]
Ordained a priest in 1969, Montenegro served as auxiliary bishop of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela (2000–2008) before becoming Archbishop of Agrigento in 2008, retiring in 2021 due to age limits.[5] His tenure included significant roles in the Italian Episcopal Conference, such as president of the Commission for Charity and Health (2015–2018), and participation in the 2015 Synod on the Family, where he emphasized pastoral care for marginalized communities.[3] Appointed to Vatican councils for migrants and Cor Unum, he shaped Church policy on migration until their dissolution.[2] Since 2023, he has served as apostolic administrator of Piana degli Albanesi, continuing his pastoral legacy in Sicily.[1]
Biography
Birth and early life
Francesco Montenegro was born on May 22, 1946, in Messina, Italy, to a family where his father was a police officer.[1] He grew up in a devout Catholic environment in Messina, a major Sicilian city and archdiocesan seat, which shaped his early faith.[3] His childhood was marked by post-World War II Italy’s social and economic challenges, influencing his later focus on poverty and migration.[6]
Educated at the Seminario Arcivescovile S. Pio X in Messina, Montenegro completed his high school, philosophical, and theological studies there, followed by further studies at the Ignatianum in Messina.[2] His formation in a vibrant ecclesial community fostered his commitment to pastoral service.[3]
Education
Montenegro studied at the Seminario Arcivescovile S. Pio X in Messina, completing his philosophical and theological training for priesthood.[2] After ordination, he pursued additional studies at the Ignatianum, a Jesuit-run institute in Messina, focusing on pastoral theology.[3] His education emphasized practical ministry, preparing him for roles in parish work and diocesan administration.[6]
Fluent in Italian and with working knowledge of Latin, Montenegro’s studies were grounded in Sicily’s Catholic tradition, equipping him to address social issues like migration and poverty in his later ministry.[2] His formation included exposure to Caritas initiatives, shaping his lifelong dedication to charity.[3]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on August 8, 1969, by Archbishop Francesco Fasola for the Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, Montenegro served as parish vicar at Villaggio UNRRA (1969–1971) and secretary to Archbishops Francesco Fasola and Ignazio Cannavò (1971–1978).[1] He was pastor of San Clemente parish in Messina (1978–1988), director of diocesan Caritas (1988–2000), and regional Caritas delegate.[3]
His priesthood focused on pastoral care, charity, and support for the poor, with significant administrative roles in Messina’s archdiocese.[6] His Caritas leadership laid the groundwork for his advocacy for migrants, a hallmark of his episcopal ministry.[2]
Bishop
Appointed auxiliary bishop of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela and titular bishop of Aurusuliana on March 18, 2000, by Pope John Paul II, Montenegro was consecrated on April 29, 2000, by Archbishop Giovanni Marra.[5] He became Archbishop of Agrigento on February 23, 2008, and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on February 14, 2015, receiving the titular church of Santi Andrea e Gregorio al Monte Celio.[1]
As archbishop, Montenegro championed migrant welcome in Agrigento, served as president of Caritas Italiana (2003–2008), and held Vatican roles in migrant and charity councils.[2] Retired in 2021, he serves as apostolic administrator of Piana degli Albanesi since 2023.[3]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela | Auxiliary Bishop | 18 March 2000 | 23 February 2008 | Titular Bishop of Aurusuliana |
| Archdiocese of Agrigento | Archbishop | 23 February 2008 | 22 May 2021 | Elevated to cardinal in 2015, focused on migrant welcome |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, 1969.[1]
- Appointed director of diocesan Caritas, 1988.[3]
- Named auxiliary bishop of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, 2000.[5]
- Appointed president of Caritas Italiana, 2003–2008.[3]
- Named Archbishop of Agrigento, 2008.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis, 2015.[1]
- Participated in the 2015 Synod on the Family.[3]
- Elected president of the Commission for Charity and Health, 2015–2018.[3]
- Retired as Archbishop of Agrigento, 2021.[1]
- Appointed apostolic administrator of Piana degli Albanesi, 2023.[1]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Montenegro were identified.
Written by the bishop
- No books authored by Cardinal Montenegro were identified. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Agrigento, but no published books are documented.
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 "Francesco Montenegro". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Montenegro.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Cardinal Francesco Montenegro". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_montenegro_f.html.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 "Francesco Montenegro". Wikipedia (Italian). 2006-12-07. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Montenegro.
- ↑ "Conclave: Who will elect the next Pope". Vatican News. 2025-04-29. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-04/conclave-who-will-elect-the-next-pope.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Francesco Cardinal Montenegro". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmontf.html.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Cardinal Francesco Montenegro". The College of Cardinals Report. 2024-07-08. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/cardinal-francesco-montenegro/.