A Vatican archivist and librarian who played a crucial role in making ancient texts accessible to scholars, earning him the title of "Custodian of the Vatican's Secrets".
Raffaele Farina is a prominent Italian cardinal of the Catholic Church, renowned for his extraordinary contributions to the world of archival preservation and ecclesiastical history. As the former Archivist of the Vatican Secret Archives, Librarian of the Vatican Library, and president of the Consiglio di Presidenza of Scuola Vaticana di Paleografia, Diplomatica e Archivistica, Farina has dedicated his life to safeguarding and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Catholic Church.
Born on September 24, 1933, in Buonalbergo, Italy, Farina joined the Salesians of Don Bosco at the age of 16, beginning his journey towards a life of service and devotion. He professed his simple temporary vows in 1949 and made his perpetual vows in 1954. His sister, too, is a member of the Salesian order.
Farina's academic pursuits took him to the Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum of Turin, where he obtained his licentiate in theology in 1958. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michele Alberto Arduino SDB in 1958. His academic excellence led him to pursue a doctorate in ecclesiastical history from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, which he completed in 1965.
Farina's expertise in ecclesiastical history earned him recognition, and he was appointed professor of Church history at the Pontifical Salesian University. He later served as dean of the faculty (1972-1974) and rector of the university (1977-1983, 1992-1997).
In 1982, Farina was appointed Secretary of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences, a position he held until 1986. He then served as Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture within the Roman Curia from 1986 to 1997. In 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed him Prefect of the Vatican Library, a position he held until 2007.
In 2007, Farina was elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Benedict XVI, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Catholic Church and the world of academia.
Throughout his illustrious career, Farina has made significant contributions to the field of ecclesiastical history, archival preservation, and cultural heritage. His dedication to the Vatican Library and Archives has helped safeguard the Church's rich cultural treasures for future generations.
As a testament to his legacy, Farina has received numerous honors and awards for his services to the Church and academia. His remarkable life is a shining example of devotion, scholarship, and service to the Catholic Church.
Farina's remarkable life and achievements serve as an inspiration to scholars, historians, and clergy alike, cementing his place as a guardian of the Vatican's treasures and a champion of ecclesiastical history.
99 Years Old
The first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, he's known for his conservative views and efforts to strengthen the Catholic Church's traditional teachings. He's also a prolific writer and theologian.
Born in 1920
Leader of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, known for helping to end communism in Poland and being a charismatic advocate for human rights and social justice.
98 Years Old
A prominent Catholic Church leader who served as Secretary of State and Dean of the College of Cardinals, known for his diplomatic efforts and influential role in the Church's governance.
91 Years Old
A high-ranking Catholic Church official who served as the Vatican's Secretary of State and Camerlengo, playing a key role in the papal transition following Pope John Paul II's death. He was also known for his conservative views and controversies surrounding his leadership style.
Born in 1923
A high-ranking Catholic Church official who served as the Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, overseeing the Church's highest court. He played a key role in shaping the Church's stance on various issues.
93 Years Old
A prominent Catholic Church leader, serving as President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, known for promoting interfaith understanding and dialogue.
83 Years Old
A prominent Catholic Church leader who served as the President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between different faiths.
