Cardinal Mauro Gambetti appointed Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto

Pope Leone XIV has appointed Cardinal Mauro Gambetti as the new Archbishop of the Chieti-Vasto Archdiocese in Italy. Gambetti, a Conventual Franciscan, will succeed Monsignor Bruno Forte, who is retiring after 22 years of service.

This appointment marks a significant transition for Gambetti, who will leave several high-profile roles within the Vatican. He currently serves as the Arcipre of Saint Peter's Basilica, President of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, and Vicar General of His Holiness for the Vatican City State. His tenure at Saint Peter's was noted for modernizing visitor services and managing large-scale events, though it also faced internal tensions and debates regarding the balance between religious sanctity and tourism management.

Gambetti is scheduled to officially assume his new role on November 29. The transfer from a central administrative position in Rome to a regional diocese has been interpreted by some observers as a strategic reshuffling of the Vatican Curia. The local community in Abruzzo and the CEAM (Conference of Bishops of Abruzzo and Molise) have expressed both gratitude to the outgoing Monsignor Forte and a warm welcome to the incoming Cardinal.