Italian cardinal-designate promotes faith by protecting Vatican art

Published: 2003-10-02

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal-designate Francesco Marchisano has a record number of Vatican job titles, all connected to the art and architecture meant to honor the saints and transmit their faith to future generations. When Pope John Paul II named him to the College of Cardinals Sept. 28, the 74-year-old Italian's jobs included serving as archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, president of the office charged with its upkeep, and papal vicar for Vatican City State -- basically the bishop overseeing the pastoral care of those who live within the Vatican walls. The cardinal-designate also is president of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Goods of the Church and the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology. In a 2002 interview with Catholic News Service, he said all of his jobs are focused on communicating the Gospel, usually not through words but through the witness of what human minds and hands were inspired to make in celebration of the faith.

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