Pope Extends Terms of Leaders of College of Cardinals, Elevates Cardinal Prevost

Vatican City, February 7, 2025— Pope Francis has extended the terms of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re and Leonardo Sandri as Dean and Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, respectively, the Vatican Press Office announced on February 6. It is to be noted that the Pope had earlier decided to defer approval of Cardinal Re’s election on January 7 and that of Cardinal Sandri on January 14.

The extension of the terms ensures continuity in the leadership of the College of Cardinals, the body responsible for advising the Pope and electing his successor. Cardinal Re has been serving as Dean of the College since 2020, while Cardinal Sandri has been serving as Vice-Dean since 2019.

In addition to this, Pope Francis also announced on Thursday that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, will become a member of the Order of Bishops within the College of Cardinals. The Pope assigned the Cardinal the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano.

Cardinal Prevost’s promotion marks a significant step in his ecclesiastical career. As a Cardinal Bishop, he joins the highest rank within the College of Cardinals, a group historically composed of senior figures within the Church. His new title, the Suburbicarian Church of Albano, is one of the seven dioceses traditionally assigned to Cardinal Bishops.

The Pope’s decision reflects his ongoing efforts to reinforce stability within the Church’s leadership while recognizing key figures in Vatican governance.

Courtesy: Vatican News