Vatican appoints Italian Franciscan as custodian of Holy Land

Published: 2004-05-18

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Franciscan Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa has been appointed custodian of the Holy Land, succeeding Father Giovanni Battistelli, who held the position for the past six years. Father Pizzaballa was nominated for the position by the Franciscans and appointed by the Holy See. As custodian or caretaker of the holy places, Father Pizzaballa also will serve as president of the Commission for Missionary Evangelization and as a member of the Commission for Judaism and Islam of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Born in Bergamo, Italy, in 1965, Father Pizzaballa is one of the youngest custodians of the Holy Land. Until his appointment, he served in Jerusalem as vicar of the Hebrew-speaking Catholic parish and superior of the Friary of Sts. Joachim and Anne. He joined the Franciscans in 1984, professed first vows in 1985 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1990.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .