12 Facts About Fortunato Baldelli

Fortunato Baldelli was an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church who was appointed a cardinal in 2010 after a career in the diplomatic service of the Holy See from 1966 to 2009 that included ten years as Apostolic Nuncio to France.

Fortunato Baldelli was the Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary from 2009 to 2012.

Fortunato Baldelli was able to continue his education through the death of his parents with the help of his brothers and the assistance of Bishop Placido Nicolini of Assisi.

Fortunato Baldelli joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1966.

Fortunato Baldelli was given additional responsibilities as Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Sao Tome and Principe on 4 May 1985.

Fortunato Baldelli was appointed apostolic nuncio to France on 19 June 1999.

Fortunato Baldelli was appointed Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary on 2 June 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Fortunato Baldelli was appointed a member of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 24 July 2010 for the usual five-year term.

Fortunato Baldelli was present at the coronation of Albert II, Prince of Monaco as non-resident Apostolic Nuncio to Monaco, and read a letter of good wishes and blessing from Pope Benedict XVI.

In December 2010 Fortunato Baldelli was appointed a member of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Fortunato Baldelli retired on 5 January 2012 with the appointment of Archbishop Manuel Monteiro de Castro as his successor.

Fortunato Baldelli died on 20 September 2012 at Domus Internationalis Paulus VI, where he lived during the last years of his life.