Francesco Marchisano

Who is Francesco Marchisano?

Francesco Marchisano is an Italian Cardinal who has worked in the Roman Curia since 1956. Born in Racconigi, he was ordained a priest in Turin by Cardinal Maurilio Fossati in 1952.

A period of study in Rome intended to be temporary turned permanent when he was offered his first Curial appointment by Cardinal Giuseppe Pizzardo. Rising through the Vatican dicastery then headed by Cardinal Pizzardo, he eventually served as its Undersecretary from 1969 to 1988. He was also advanced to monsignor, becoming a Papal Chamberlain in 1961 and a Prelate of Honour in 1971.

In 1988 Pope John Paul II named Monsignor Marchisano to become a bishop, and personally consecrated him on 6 January 1989. Since then he has served as president and Secretary of various Vatican organs, being promoted to archbishop in 1994.

His past positions include:

President of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology

President of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church

President of the Artistic-Cultural Commission of the Grand Jubilee Year 2000