[REVISION HISTORY]

Leadership transition in Chieti-Vasto Archdiocese

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2026-10-05 13:19 UTC → 2026-10-10 08:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Archbishop Bruno Forte recently marked the 22nd anniversary of his episcopal ordination with a celebration at the San Giustino Cathedral in Chieti. Following this milestone, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Mauro Gambetti as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto, succeeding Monsignor Forte, who is retiring after 22 years of service. It has been noted that Forte is retiring after exceeding the standard retirement age for bishops. Cardinal Gambetti, a 60-year-old Franciscan friar and member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, will transfer from several high-ranking Vatican positions. He currently serves as the archpriest of Saint Peter's Basilica, president of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, and Vicar General of His Holiness for the City of Vatican City. His tenure at Saint Peter's was noted for modernizing visitor services and managing large-scale events, though it also faced internal tensions regarding the balance between religious sanctity and tourism management. His departure leaves several high-profile positions within the Basilica vacant. Cardinal Gambetti is scheduled to officially assume his new duties on November 29. Monsignor Forte will continue to serve as apostolic administrator until the transition is complete. While local religious and social organizations, such as the ACLI and the Conference of Bishops of Abruzzo and Molise (CEAM), have expressed gratitude for Forte’s leadership and welcomed Gambetti, some reports suggest the appointment carries political weight. These reports characterize the move as a “removal from central Vatican administration to a more distant diocese,” interpreting the transfer as a strategic reshuffling of the Vatican ~~Curia and part~~ Curia. Following his appointment, Cardinal Gambetti addressed the faithful of the Archdiocese in a ~~broader restructuring of ecclesiastical roles.~~ letter. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and shared a commitment to walking with the local church, its clergy, and its religious members.

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