Ángel Fernández Artime

Ángel Fernández Artime, born on August twenty-first, nineteen sixty, is a distinguished Spanish Catholic prelate currently serving as the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life since two thousand twenty-five. His journey in the Catholic Church has been marked by significant leadership roles, including his tenure as the Rector Major of the Salesians from two thousand fourteen to two thousand twenty-four, making him the first Spaniard to hold this esteemed position.

Prior to his role as Rector Major, Fernández held the position of provincial superior for the Salesian Province of Leon from two thousand to two thousand six, and later for the Southern Argentina Province from two thousand nine to two thousand fourteen. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to the values and mission of the Salesian community.

In a historic move, Pope Francis elevated Fernández to the rank of cardinal in two thousand twenty-three, allowing him to continue his role as rector until August sixteenth, two thousand twenty-four. This appointment marked him as the first cleric to be made a cardinal while leading a religious order, as well as the first cardinal elector not already a bishop since Roberto Tucci in two thousand one.

Fernández's episcopal consecration took place on April twentieth, two thousand twenty-four, further solidifying his influential role within the Church. His contributions continue to resonate within the Catholic community, reflecting a life dedicated to service and leadership.