THE HOLY FATHER APPOINTS MSGR. FRANCESCO CAVINA AS THE NEW APOSTOLIC VISITOR FOR THE PARISH OF MEDJUGORJE

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of His Excellency Archbishop Aldo Cavalli from the office of Apostolic Visitor with a special role for the Parish of Medjugorje.

Today, October 31, 2026, the Holy Father appointed His Excellency Bishop Francesco Cavina, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Carpi, as Apostolic Visitor with a special role for the Parish of Medjugorje, for an indefinite period and ad nutum Sanctae Sedis (at the discretion of the Holy See).

Biography of Msgr. Francesco Cavina

His Excellency Msgr. Francesco Cavina was born on February 17, 1955, in Faenza (Province of Ravenna).

After completing his classical secondary education, he began his theological studies at the Benedict XV Regional Seminary in Bologna. He was ordained a priest on May 15, 1980.

In 1981, he obtained a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology from the Regional Seminary in Bologna. He then continued his studies in Rome, residing at the Pontifical College Capranica, and earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University.

On November 14, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Carpi. He was ordained a bishop on January 22, 2012, and served as Bishop of Carpi until June 26, 2019.

On October 31, 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed him Apostolic Visitor with a special role for the Parish of Medjugorje.