Pope Leo XIV has announced his first set of papal appointments, underscoring his focus on family, devotion to the Sacred Heart, and human development.
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Grand Chancellor of the John Paul II Theological Institute for Marriage and Family: Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome and Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University, has been appointed to lead the institute, which is dedicated to the study of marriage and family life.
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Special Envoy for Sacred Heart Anniversary: Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio, will represent the Pope at the 350th anniversary celebrations of the Sacred Heart apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France, on June 27, 2025.
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Head of Office in the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development: Father Avelino Chicoma Bundo Chico, S.J., has been appointed to oversee key initiatives in social justice and humanitarian outreach within the Vatican’s development office.
These appointments signal Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on pastoral care, devotion to the Sacred Heart, and advocacy for social justice.
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