Bishop of Locri-Gerace (-Santa Maria di Polsi)
Francesco Oliva was born in Avena di Papasidero (in the province of Cosenza and the diocese of San Marco Argentano-Scalea) on January 14, 1951. After completing his classical high school studies at the "Campanella" Lyceum in Reggio Calabria, he pursued theological studies at the "Pius X" Pontifical Regional Seminary in Catanzaro. He was ordained a priest on January 5, 1976, and incardinated into the clergy of the Diocese of Cassano all’Jonio. Having moved to Rome to further his education, he obtained a Doctorate in *Utroque Iure* (both Canon and Civil Law) from the Lateran University (1981). Additionally, he earned a diploma in archival studies from the Vatican Secret Archives (1976), qualified as an advocate of the Roman Rota (1991), and obtained a degree in Pedagogy from LUMSA. He held the following positions and ministries: Parochial Vicar of Santa Gemma Galgani in Rome (1977–1978); Parochial Vicar of Santa Maria del Piano in Verbicaro (1978–1980); Canon of the Cathedral Chapter of Cassano all’Jonio (1980–2014); Defender of the Bond at the Calabrian Regional Ecclesiastical Tribunal (1982–1992); Pro-Rector of the diocesan seminary (1983–1984); Spiritual Director of the diocesan seminary (1984–1985); President of the Diocesan Institute for Clergy Support (1985–1995); Parish Priest of San Girolamo in Castrovillari (1985–2014); Ecclesiastical Judge at the Calabrian Regional Tribunal (1992–2014); Lecturer in Canon Law at the Calabrian Theological Institute in Catanzaro (1992–2014); Visiting Lecturer at the "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro (2001–2005). Visiting Professor at the "Pastor Bonus" Institute in Dipodi (Lamezia Terme) and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Cassano all’Jonio (2005–2007); Vicar Forane of Castrovillari (2006–2012); Vicar General of Cassano all’Jonio (2008–2011); Diocesan Administrator of Cassano all’Jonio (2011–2012); Vicar General of Cassano all’Jonio (2012–2014). He has been a Prelate of Honour of His Holiness since August 22, 2008.