Marcello Semeraro is 72 years old and was preparing to complete his term in the Diocese of Albano. However, Pope Francis has put him in charge of one of the offices with the greatest responsibilities. The office that manages everything related to the causes of the saints, a congregation to which he already belonged a decade ago.
MARCELLO SEMERARO
Prefect, Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“It's like starting over. I would say, as John XXIII once said, and as St. Joseph did: 'I move the donkey somewhere else. I take it in another direction.'”
In addition, the pope announced that he will be created a cardinal on Nov. 28. He received the news while watching TV.
MARCELLO SEMERARO
Prefect, Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“Luckily I was alone at home and so I was able to gradually calm down.”
¿Did you cry??
Yes, I was really moved.
It's not the first time Pope Francis wanted him as a close collaborator. He has been secretary of the Council of Cardinals for seven years.
Very much along the lines of a “Church on the move,” he says that if the Church forgets to relate to people, who will the Gospel be proclaimed to? The fact is that he enjoys being with the people and does not forget his birthplace.
MARCELLO SEMERARO
Prefect, Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“The last time I celebrated Mass there I asked them to remember me that way: 'as a Don Marcello who told us that the Lord loves us. Forget about the rest.' I think that's what I've tried to say over the years. I'm touched to see that many have understood it. It's something I also see in the relationship with people.”
He now represents a new management at the head of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.
MARCELLO SEMERARO
Prefect, Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“The main task is to propose authentic, clean and transparent models of sanctity, which are known and can speak to the people of today; that all processes are carried out in a more linear, more transparent and more dignified way.”
The first Blessed since his appointment is Carlo Acutis. Although he did not celebrate his beatification, he traveled to close his tomb.
He recalled this icon that the pope presented to young people in 2018, showing a young monk carrying an elderly monk.
MARCELLO SEMERARO
Prefect, Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“The pope told them, 'You young people have the responsibility to carry the dreams and hopes of the elderly.' Although I am a senior, but not yet an elder, and seeing that Acutis is young and was my first Blessed as prefect, I said to him, 'Now you take charge of my ministry.'”
It's a new mission he accepted with an expression: “I couldn't say no to the Holy Father!”
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Christian Campos
