Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, aged 91, will preside over Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, marking a significant moment as Francis will be the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Re, born in Brescia, Italy, has dedicated over 50 years to the Roman curia, playing a vital role within the Catholic Church. As the dean of the College of Cardinals since 2020, he is tasked with guiding the cardinal electors in the selection of the next pope. However, Re will not partake in the upcoming conclave due to the age restriction barring cardinals over 80 from voting. He has previously participated in two conclaves, once in 2013 when Francis was elected.
Re’s contributions to the Vatican began in 1963 with his appointment to the Roman curia after being ordained in 1957. His career included teaching at Brescia seminary and serving in the Holy See’s diplomatic missions in Panama and Iran. He has held pivotal roles, including Substitute for General Affairs of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State and Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops from 2000, where he influenced the global appointment of bishops.
Known for his affable manner and efficient conflict resolution, Re has maintained a close relationship with Pope Francis, who values his advice despite occasional disagreements. Recently, Re led a Rosary for Francis in St. Peter’s Square, referring to him as “a pilgrim of hope.” He expressed gratitude for the gifts that Francis brought to the Church, emphasizing the need for continued prayers for the late pope.
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