15 Facts About Lorenzo Baldisseri

Lorenzo Baldisseri previously served as Secretary of the Congregation for Bishops after more than twenty years in the diplomatic service of the Holy See that included stints as Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, Paraguay, India, Nepal, and Brazil.

Lorenzo Baldisseri studied at the Pontifical Lateran University and the University of Perugia from 1970 to 1973.

Lorenzo Baldisseri earned a doctorate in canon law, with a thesis entitled: "The Nunciature in Tuscany".

Lorenzo Baldisseri then joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See and served in many areas of the world over the next two decades.

Lorenzo Baldisseri was named Apostolic Nuncio to Paraguay on 6 April 1995.

Lorenzo Baldisseri then took up a pair of titles, Apostolic Nuncio to India on 19 June 1999 and Apostolic Nuncio to Nepal on 23 June 1999.

Lorenzo Baldisseri was appointed to his last diplomatic post as nuncio to Brazil on 12 November 2002.

Lorenzo Baldisseri was appointed secretary of the Congregation for Bishops on 11 January 2012.

Lorenzo Baldisseri served as secretary of the College of Cardinals from 7 March 2012 to 28 January 2014.

Lorenzo Baldisseri said that it had taken Benedict more than seven years to complete the full cycle.

In early September 2013, Lorenzo Baldisseri was part of a group of 30 officials of the Roman Curia who met with Pope Francis to offer their views and concerns with respect to his proposed reorganization of the Vatican's administrative apparatus.

In October 2013 Lorenzo Baldisseri asked national bishops conferences around the world to conduct a wide-ranging poll of Catholics asking for their opinions on church teachings on contraception, same-sex marriage and divorce.

In July 2014, Lorenzo Baldisseri said that the structure of the upcoming extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family would be shorter than previous synods and would include new rules aimed at helping the bishops really grapple with the issues together: "We want a frank, open, civilized discussion,".

Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri said that the bishops "must recognize that the faithful perceive the truth" about the Gospel and its values and their input cannot be ignored.

Lorenzo Baldisseri joined the order of cardinal-priests on 1 July 2024.