From auxiliary bishop to cardinal. This is the decision Pope Francis made when he announced that Baldassare Reina will be one of the 21 new cardinals in the consistory this December. But not only that, on the day of the appointment Pope Francis also put him in charge of the diocese of Rome as the new vicar general.
MSGR. BALDASSARE REINA
Vicar General, Diocese of Rome
I know that a mission awaits me that is far from easy, because ours is a beautiful city, but extremely complex. Unfortunately, it is marked by so many hardships, so many difficulties. So, I do not intend to give an answer to everyone, but I would like to be for everyone a sign that God's love is visible, that it is present. He does it also through us, poor shepherds.
Until now, Reina was serving as vicegerent of the diocese. This move comes after a series of internal changes made by Pope Francis. The pope removed Cardinal Angelo de Donatis and appointed him to the apostolic penitentiary.
Pope Francis said in April that he would take some time of discernment to think about who would be his replacement. That time has now arrived. Rome already has its new cardinal vicar.
TR: JD
