Archbishop Battaglia: A New Cardinal with a Heart of Gold
Well, here we go again! Another round of red hats being handed out, folks! On December 7th, just as you’re dusting off your Christmas decorations and preparing for another year of questionable gift-giving, Pope Francis will be adding Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples to the exclusive club of cardinals. Yes, that’s right – ‘Don Mimmo’ is on his way to being recognized for his heartfelt work in southern Italy. Who knew that while we’ve been bickering over who brought the best dessert to the holiday potluck, someone’s been saving souls on the streets of Naples?
The Return of the 21
With Battaglia’s elevation, the total number of new cardinals is back up to 21. Remember Bishop Syukur of Indonesia? He decided he’d rather not partake in the cardinal hats this time. Apparently, he wants to focus on “personal growth in service to the Church” – which sounds suspiciously like he’s taking a sabbatical to finally meditate or do some yoga in Bali. You can’t blame the guy; it’s a stressful gig!
Pope Francis Plays Matchmaker
Pope Francis has found himself a new right-hand man in Battaglia, who’s already making quite the name for himself as the Archbishop of Naples. Little did we know that behind the scenes at the Vatican, there’s a game of musical chairs happening where the seating arrangement determines who gets to wear the snazzy red outfit! “Matteo, how about Battaglia? He loves the underprivileged; he should fit right in!”
‘Don Mimmo’: The Friendly Neighborhood Cardinal
Born in beautiful Calabria and well-known for his outreach programs, Battaglia – or ‘Don Mimmo’, as he’s affectionately dubbed – isn’t your typical cardinal basking in the grandeur of his title. This guy’s more like the superhero version of a priest. He’s been working closely with street kids, drug addicts, and the marginalized. You might say he’s the ‘Spider-Man’ of Naples, swinging in to save the day without the tights! Although, let’s be real, those cardinal robes could definitely use a little flair!
The Heart of Southern Italy
His first message upon becoming Archbish has all the makings of a heartfelt Netflix movie. He introduced himself as “a brother who goes among brothers and sisters,” in a city that he lovingly called “a treasure of the South.” Heartwarming, isn’t it? Meanwhile, the rest of us are just trying to keep our families from shoulder-checking each other over the last piece of pie at Thanksgiving!
The Upcoming Cardinal Summit
This Consistory marks the tenth time Pope Francis has gathered the future cardinals, and out of the bunch, only one is a non-elector. The final list includes cardinals from various backgrounds—11 from Europe, 6 from the Americas, 3 from Asia, and 1 from Africa. Diversity, fabulous! A round of applause for the Pope on this amazing global outreach because let’s face it, you can’t get a decent pizza without a mix of cultures!
A Commitment to the Less Fortunate
Archbishop Battaglia’s history of service speaks volumes. He once led a center for drug rehabilitation and was heavily involved in charity work. You know, not to be *that person*, but his resume reads better than many of ours! “Street priest” sounds like a job title I would want on my LinkedIn, but I don’t think that’d look good next to my last job: “Semi-Professional Netflix Binger.”
In Conclusion
So, as we await December 7th, let’s tip our hats (or should that be our red hats?) to Archbishop Battaglia. A man who’s more than just a title but a true leader committed to social justice. One can only hope we all take a page out of his playbook. Who knows, maybe we’ll do more for our communities than just reposting on social media! But please, no pressure!
So, until next time, let’s remember – the world needs more “Don Mimmo”s and a tad fewer keyboard warriors. Keep your hearts as full as your Christmas cookie jars, people!
Nov 05, 2024
Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples, Italy has been named a Cardinal.
By Salvatore Cernuzio
Pope Francis has announced the inclusion of Archbishop Domenico Battaglia among the 21 new cardinals who will receive the red hat at the Consistory on December 7. Battaglia, known for his dedication to social justice and pastoral care, has led the Archdiocese of Naples since late 2020.
The announcement was made on Monday by Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, stating: “Pope Francis has informed us that His Excellency Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples, will be among the new cardinals created during the coming Consistory on December 7.”
The list of new cardinals returns to 21
Following an announcement during the Angelus on October 6, the number of new cardinals was reduced by one after Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur of Bogor, Indonesia, requested not to be made a cardinal. In his statement, he expressed his desire to focus on his personal growth “in service to the Church and the people of God,” indicating his intention to deepen his priestly life.
Together with the Archdiocese of Turin and Archbishop Roberto Repole, the Italian archdiocese of Naples will again be recognized as a cardinalatial See.
Assisting those in need
Affectionately referred to as ‘Don Mimmo’, Archbishop Battaglia has an extensive history of pastoral work in southern Italy, marked by his commitment to young people and those struggling with addiction. He has been a devoted street priest, emphasizing community engagement and compassion. Additionally, Pope Francis has invited him to participate in the Synod on Synodality sessions, reflecting his significant role within the Church.
Born in Calabria, Italy, Battaglia is 61 years old. Prior to his appointment as Archbishop of Naples, he served as the Bishop of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti, making noteworthy contributions to his communities. He completed rigorous studies in philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Regional Seminary “San Pio X” in Catanzaro. After being ordained a priest on February 6, 1988, he took on various roles within the church, including rector and director of diocesan offices. Pope Francis appointed him to his episcopal role on June 24, 2016, and he chose as his episcopal motto the poignant words of Jesus: ‘Courage, rise, He calls you!’ (‘Confide, surge, vocat te!’).
Care for the marginalized
Archbishop Battaglia’s lifelong dedication to the poor and marginalized groups is evident in his work with drug addiction recovery from 1992 until 2016 at the ‘Centro Calabrese di Solidarietà’. Leading this center, he was a pivotal figure in the therapeutic communities established by Don Mario Picchi and served nationally as president from 2006 to 2015. He was also the vice-president of the Betania Foundation in Catanzaro from 2000 to 2006, showcasing his commitment to outreach and charity work.
In Naples, Battaglia introduced himself as “a brother going among brothers and sisters,” expressing his commitment to nurturing the spiritual life of a city he considers “a treasure of the South”. His message indicated a steadfast dedication to his role as a compassionate shepherd in the Archdiocese, a commitment he will undoubtedly continue as a cardinal.
The College of Cardinals
In this upcoming Consistory, which marks the tenth of Pope Francis’s papacy, only one of the future cardinals, the former nuncio Archbishop Acerbi, will be a non-elector. With Archbishop Battaglia’s inclusion, the College will reflect 11 European members—of which 5 are Italian—as well as 6 from the Americas, 3 from Asia, and 1 from Africa. Following the Consistory on December 7, the College of Cardinals will include a total of 256 members, comprised of 141 electors and 115 non-electors.—Vatican News
**Interview with Salvatore Cernuzio: Insights on Archbishop Domenico Battaglia’s Elevation to Cardinal**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Salvatore! Thank you for joining us today. Exciting news coming out of the Vatican with Archbishop Domenico Battaglia being elevated to cardinal. What do you think this recognition means for him and for the Church?
**Salvatore Cernuzio:** Thanks for having me! This is indeed exciting. For Archbishop Battaglia, known affectionately as ‘Don Mimmo’, this elevation is not just a title—it’s an affirmation of his life’s work and commitment to social justice, especially in a city like Naples where the needs are immense. It signals that the Church is beginning to really prioritize outreach and service to the marginalized.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Battaglia is famous for his grassroots efforts. Can you elaborate on some of the outreach programs he’s been involved with?
**Salvatore Cernuzio:** Certainly! Battaglia has a notable history of working with vulnerable populations, including street kids and those struggling with addiction. He ran a rehabilitation center and actively engaged with the community, embodying the role of a ‘street priest’. His compassionate approach has made a significant impact in Naples, earning him deep respect and love from those he serves.
**Interviewer:** It’s heartwarming to see leaders within the Church making real changes. The announcement also mentioned that the number of new cardinals will be 21. Any thoughts on the diversity represented among these new appointees?
**Salvatore Cernuzio:** Indeed! The new batch includes cardinals from different backgrounds—11 from Europe, 6 from the Americas, 3 from Asia, and 1 from Africa. This reflects Pope Francis’s commitment to a more inclusive Church, acknowledging voices from across the globe. Each cardinal brings unique perspectives that can enrich the dialogue within the Church.
**Interviewer:** Given Battaglia’s focus on social issues, how do you see him influencing Church policy or initiatives moving forward?
**Salvatore Cernuzio:** I believe he will advocate for policies that promote compassionate outreach and support for the underprivileged. His history of engagement with communities struggling with poverty and addiction will likely influence discussions at the highest levels. He seems poised to be a strong voice for those often overlooked in Church conversations.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead to the Consistory on December 7th, do you anticipate any changes in the dynamics of the cardinal leadership with this new cohort?
**Salvatore Cernuzio:** Absolutely! This Consistory is significant for not just Battaglia, but the collective group of new cardinals. With such a diverse array of experiences and backgrounds, we might see shifts in priorities and initiatives within the Church. It’s a chance for renewal and a call to action—especially around issues of social justice that Pope Francis has been championing.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Salvatore! It’s always a pleasure to get your insights. Let’s hope Archbishop Battaglia’s elevation heralds a new wave of compassionate leadership in the Church.
**Salvatore Cernuzio:** Thank you for having me! I share your hope, and I look forward to seeing how his leadership unfolds.
