Fernando Filoni
Fernando Filoni (born 15 April 1946) is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church who serves as Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.[1] Ordained a priest in 1970 for the diocese of Nardò-Gallipoli, he holds doctorates in philosophy and canon law, along with a diploma in public opinion sciences and techniques.[1] Filoni's career is marked by extensive diplomatic service for the Holy See, beginning in 1981 with assignments in nunciatures across Asia, the Middle East, and South America, including stints in Sri Lanka, Iran, Brazil, and the Philippines.[1] Appointed apostolic nuncio to Iraq and Jordan in 2001, he was named titular archbishop of Volturnum and received episcopal ordination by Pope John Paul II.[1] In 2007, he became Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State, overseeing internal Vatican administration and coordination with global diplomatic efforts.[1] Elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI with the deaconry of Nostra Signora di Coromoto in San Giovanni di Dio, Filoni assumed the role of Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (later reorganized as the Dicastery for Evangelization) in 2011, guiding missionary activities in mission territories until becoming prefect emeritus in 2019 upon his appointment as Grand Master.[1] His tenure in these positions highlighted his focus on evangelization amid geopolitical challenges, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Asia.[1] Filoni also holds memberships in the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, contributing to doctrinal and canonization processes.[1]