Naples, Don Mimmo Battaglia is Cardinal

From today Don Mimmo Battaglia, Metropolitan Archbishop of Naples, is a cardinal. A much-loved figure, who since 2021 has led the religious and civil community of the Campania capital with dedication, always close to the least, to workers in difficulty, to the Roma, and to all the victims of violence and tragedies that have marked the city.

He is the bishop who celebrated the funerals of the young people who fell at the hands of crime and the victims of the collapse of Scampia. Don Mimmo was created cardinal by Pope Francis during the consistory held this afternoon, together with twenty other new cardinals. On his face you could read the emotion of a unique moment: the new cardinal also had a brief conversation with the Holy Father before his farewell.

Tomorrow he will concelebrate his first Mass as a cardinal with the College of Cardinals, alongside Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Basilica. He will then return to Naples, where on Tuesday he will preside over the Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral. The celebration will be attended by bishops, priests, deacons, religious, lay faithful and representatives of the civil and military authorities.

"I wish to extend my congratulations and the most sincere good wishes of the Regional Council of Calabria to Don Mimmo Battaglia, Metropolitan Archbishop of Naples, on his appointment as cardinal by the Consistory at the request of Pope Francis." This is what the President of the Regional Council Filippo Mancuso said about the nomination of Don Mimmo Battaglia as cardinal.

"The prestigious recognition - he continues - seals the great and supportive commitment that Don Mimmo Battaglia reserves daily for the world of suffering. Appreciating the human qualities of Don Mimmo Battaglia, I have no doubt that his pastoral activity will have positive effects for Calabria and for the entire South".