Vatican City – Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, is the new Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Holy Father approved his election by the Cardinals of the Order of Bishops on October 8, 2026.
The Pontiff accepted the resignation from the office of Dean presented by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who assumes the title of “Dean Emeritus” of the College of Cardinals and retains the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto.
Cardinal Tagle will assume the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Ostia while retaining the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano.
The news was read to the staff of the Dicastery for Evangelization by Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, in the presence of Cardinal Tagle, who then expressed his gratitude and emotion.
The Dean presides over the College of Cardinals, though always in the capacity of “primus inter pares,” without exercising any governing authority over his fellow cardinals, in accordance with canon 352 of the Code of Canon Law. He is also responsible for ordaining the elected Roman Pontiff as Bishop, if he has not yet received episcopal ordination, as established by canon 355. His term lasts five years and may be renewed, in accordance with Pope Francis’ motu proprio of December 21, 2019.
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