Vincenzo Paglia

Who is Vincenzo Paglia?

Vincenzo Paglia is a Roman Catholic archbishop, the President of the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family, and bishop emeritus of the diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia in Italy. He is one of the founders of the Community of Sant'Egidio.

Archbishop Paglia was born in Boville Ernica, Frosinone, Italy.

He has been responsible for inter-religious dialogue and has opposed a cooling of relations with Jewish leaders. He was educated at the Pontifical Roman Minor and Major Seminary. He obtained a Licenciate in Philosophy as well as a degree in Theology both from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome. He also obtained a Master´s degree in Pedagogy from the University of Urbino, Italy.

He was ordained a priest 15 March 1970 for the diocese of Rome, where he first served as a curate in Casal Palocco 1970–1973. Later he was rector of the Church of Sant'Egidio in Trastevere. From 1981 to 2000 he was pastor of the parish of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. He was also appointed postulator of the cause of beatification of Bishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero of San Salvador.

On 4 March 2000 Pope John Paul II appointed him bishop of Terni-Narni-Amelia. He received episcopal consecration in Rome at the Cathedral of St. John Lateran from Cardinal Camillo Ruini as Cardinal Vicar, on 2 April and took possession of the diocese on 16 April.