The Holy See announced the promulgation of the Statute of the Fabric of Saint Peter, which finalizes the mandate of the Extraordinary Commissioner of the same, Monsignor Mario Giardana, Apostolic Nuncio, and of the Commission that accompanied him in his work, thus giving the responsibility for the implementation of the new Statute to Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
As the Vatican Press Office reported on Monday, March 29, 2021, during these nine months, in addition to preparing the new norms, the previous persons in charge of the Statutes dedicated themselves to reorganizing the Fabric’s administrative and technical offices. Cardinal Gambetti began his assignment as Archpriest of the Basilica this Holy Week.
Recent Appointments
Last February 20, the Holy Father accepted the resignation from his post of His Holiness’ Vicar General for Vatican City, Archpriest of the papal Basilica of Saint Peter and President of the Fabric of Saint Peter, tendered by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, and he appointed for the same Cardinal Gambetti, former Custos General of the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Angelo Comastri, of Italy, was 77 on September 17, 2020, exceeding by two years the canonical age in which Prelates can request retirement.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti
Prelate of Bologna, Italy, Franciscan of the Order of Minor Brothers Conventual, was ordained priest in 2000. He has been the Custos of the Sacred Convent of Assisi since 2013. Pope Francis announced his appointment as Cardinal during the Angelus of October 25, 2020, the first Conventual Franciscan since 1861.
He was consecrated Bishop on November 22, 2020, in Assisi and created
Cardinal in the Consistory of the 28th of the same month.
Fabric of Saint Peter
The Fabric of Saint Peter is the institution responsible for the conservation and maintenance of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. As John Paul II pointed out in the Apostolic Letter Pastor Bonus of June 28, 1988, the Fabric of Saint Peter is concerned, ”in keeping with its own laws, in all that refers to the Basilica of the Prince of the Apostles, both for the conservation and decoration of the building, as well as the internal discipline of the guardians and pilgrims that enter it to visit it.”
From February 5, 2005, until recently, it was presided over by Cardinal Comastri, Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica. The organization is divided into Committees, Offices, and Studies, including the Administration Committee and the Administrative Office.
