Archbishop of Bologna
Matteo Maria Zuppi was born in Rome on October 11, 1955; he entered the Seminary of Palestrina and pursued his studies for the priesthood at the Lateran University, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Theology. He also earned a degree in Literature and Philosophy from the University of Rome, with a thesis on the History of Christianity. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Palestrina on May 9, 1981, and incardinated into the Diocese of Rome on November 15, 1988, by the late Cardinal Ugo Poletti. In 2006, he was awarded the title of Chaplain of His Holiness. He held the following positions: Rector of the Church of Santa Croce alla Lungara (1983–2012); member of the Presbyteral Council (1995–2012); parochial vicar of Santa Maria in Trastevere (1981–2000) and subsequently its parish priest (2000–2010); Prefect of the Third Prefecture of Rome (2005–2010); General Ecclesiastical Assistant to the Community of Sant’Egidio (2000–2012); parish priest of the Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus parish in Torre Angela (2010–2012); and Prefect of the Seventeenth Prefecture of Rome (2011–2012). He is also the author of several publications of a pastoral nature. Appointed Titular Bishop of Villanova and Auxiliary Bishop of Rome on January 31, 2012, he received episcopal consecration on April 14 of that same year.