Pope Francis has just nominated Fr. Daniele Libanori SJ auxiliary bishop for the diocese of Rome. From 2003 to 2016 he served as rector of the Gesù church in Rome and is currently rector of the church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami at Foro Romano.

In his first reactions, Fr. Libanori said: “At the news of the Pope's request, I felt really surprised and then afraid. I interpret the choice as stemming from the need to pay a great deal of attention to the celrgy. It is also in line with the previous appointment of Monsignor Angelo De Donatis as Vicar General. It is not an administrative ministry; it is about taking care of people, one by one. The main difficulty for a priest is his tough job. It is important to make him feel valued and loved.”

Father Libanori will continue taking care of the clergy of Rome and of permanent deacons. The episcopal ordination is scheduled for January 13, 2018 at 5pm at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, together with that of Fr. Paolo Ricciardi, who is presently parish priest in Acilia and will be nominated auxiliary bishop in charge of the ministry for healthcare workers.