New cardinal in Florence is focused on spreading the faith

Published: 2003-10-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In one of the world's most famous art cities, Cardinal-designate Ennio Antonelli of Florence ministers with a background in classics and art history and a focus on making each Catholic take responsibility for spreading the faith. The 66-year-old former general secretary of the Italian bishops' conference was named Sept. 28 to the College of Cardinals and will be elevated in the Oct. 21 consistory. In Italy, he is known for his focus on the role of lay people in the church, his background in art and, particularly, for a 1990 pastoral letter condemning superstition in all its forms. More than 90 percent of Italians are Catholic, yet millions read their horoscopes each day and turn to tarot card readers, and many request exorcisms. "Superstition abounds where faith and religious instruction are scarce," he wrote in 1990.

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