16 Facts About Ennio Antonelli

Ennio Antonelli was born on 18 November 1936 and is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church who was president of the Pontifical Council for the Family from 2008 to 2012.

Ennio Antonelli has been a bishop since 1982, serving as bishop of Gubbio from 1982 to 1988, archbishop of Perugia from 1988 to 1995, and archbishop of Florence from 2001 to 2008.

Ennio Antonelli led the Italian Episcopal Conference from 1995 to 2001 and was raised to the rank of cardinal in 2003.

Ennio Antonelli studied at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, earning a licentiate in sacred theology.

Ennio Antonelli later earned a doctorate in classics at the University of Perugia.

Ennio Antonelli was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Todi on 2 April 1960.

Ennio Antonelli worked at the Seminary of Perugia as vice-rector, professor, and finally rector.

Ennio Antonelli taught theology at the regional seminary in Assisi, as well as art history in secondary schools in Assisi and Deruta.

Ennio Antonelli was a chaplain to Catholic teachers and student groups and a parish priest.

Ennio Antonelli received his episcopal consecration on 29 August 1982 from Decio Lucio Grandoni, Bishop of Todi.

Ennio Antonelli resigned as archbishop to serve a five-year term as Secretary-General of the Italian Episcopal Conference on 26 May 1995.

Ennio Antonelli served in this position until 21 March 2001, when he was named archbishop of Florence.

Ennio Antonelli was viewed as papabile, a possible candidate for election to the papacy.

Ennio Antonelli retired as president of the Pontifical Council for the Family on 26 June 2012.

Ennio Antonelli was one of the cardinal electors who participated in the 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis.

Ennio Antonelli is generally seen as a moderate, with a strong interest in social justice and peace issues.