Pope appoints Fr. Pasolini as new Preacher of Papal Household

By Salvatore Cernuzio and Devin Watkins

The Press Office of the Holy See announced on Saturday the appointment of the new preacher of the Papal Household.

Roberto Pasolini, OFMCap, is currently Professor of Biblical Exegesis at the Faculty of Theology of Northern Italy in Milan.

In his new role, the Capuchin friar will deliver Advent and Lent sermons to the Pope and the Roman Curia.

He succeeds Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap, who served as papal preacher since 1980 under three popes, and whom Pope Francis created a cardinal in 2020.

At the age of 90, Cardinal Cantalamessa has become a spiritual guide to millions through his books, lectures and television programs.

He will retire after 44 years as a Papal Household preacher at the Hermitage of Merciful Love in Cittaducale, Italy. Cardinal Cantalamessa will focus on prayer, reading and study alongside a community of Poor Clare nuns, while occasionally serving as chaplain.

Combining academics and pastoral actions

Born on November 5, 1971, Father Pasolini made his final vows in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins on September 7, 2002 and was ordained a priest on September 23, 2006.

After receiving a doctorate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, he served as professor of biblical languages ​​and sacred scriptures at the Interprovincial Theological Institute Laurentianum of the Capuchin Friars Minor of Milan and Venice.

The 53-year-old Italian priest employs a preaching style that seeks to address issues related to human existence and faith, while making them relevant to contemporary issues and trends.

In addition to the many spiritual retreats he preaches, Fr. Pasolini is heavily involved in working with the poor, people living on the streets, people with disabilities and in prison ministry.

He is also the author of several books on biblical spirituality and embraces new technologies to spread the gospel, including podcasts and artificial intelligence.

This skill comes from his previous career as a computer programmer and his involvement in politics before joining the Capuchin seminary.