VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis appointed a new preacher of the papal household: a 53-year-old Italian Capuchin priest who studied computer science and mathematics and discovered his vocation while reading a free copy of St. Matthew’s Gospel on the subway. Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini succeeds Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, also an Italian Capuchin priest, who turned 90 in July and had been the papal preacher since 1980 when St. John Paul II appointed him. Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis respectively confirmed his position, and Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals in 2020. The Vatican made the announcement Nov. 9. The papal preacher is tasked with preparing the traditional series of Lenten and Advent reflections each year for the pope and top Vatican officials and is charged with preaching at the pope’s public celebration of the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday. Born Nov. 5, 1971, Father Pasolini received his degree in computer science with a transdisciplinary exploration of artificial intelligence, mathematics, philosophy and psychology, he said in an interview in 2020 with TV2000, the television network owned by the Italian bishops’ conference. (CNS)
