Pope
Francis has appointed Nunzio Galantino, Bishop of Cassano allo Jonio in
Italy’s Southern Calabria region, as interim Secretary General of the
Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI).The Head of the Vatican Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, said that Bishop Galantino will serve as interim Secretary General to replace Mariano Crociata who was named Bishop of Latina after two mandates at CEI.
Lombardi explained that the interim appointment was "rendered urgent for the regular work schedule of the general secretariat and for a number of procedures that require his presence."
He added that the duration of the mandate has not yet been decided. Lombardi also explained that Galantino will have to reside in Rome for part of the week but he remains Bishop of Cassano allo Jonio.
In a letter addressed to the priests and people of that diocese, Pope Francis expresses his awareness that he has partially deprived them of the presence of their beloved bishop, and he asks for help and comprehension as Galantino – he says - is called to serve “in an important mission for the Church in Italy”.
Nunzio Galantino was born in the Southern town of Cerignola near Foggia in 1948 and was appointed bishop in December 2011.