Raniero Cantalamessa, born on July 22, 1934 in Colli del Tronto (Italy), is a Capuchin priest, theologian, and cardinal of the Catholic Church. Ordained in 1958, he earned doctorates in Theology and Classical Letters. He was a professor of History of Christian Origins at the Catholic University of Milan and a member of the International Theological Commission. In 1980, he was appointed Preacher to the Papal Household, a position he held until 2024 under the pontificates of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
He is the author of numerous works on spirituality and theology. Among his most notable books are The Ascent to the Mount of the Living God (2007), The Power of the Cross (1996), The Mystery of Easter (1993), The Eucharist: Our Sanctification (1993), and Contemplating the Trinity (2007). His approach combines theological depth with an accessible spirituality, influenced by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. In 2020, Pope Francis made him a cardinal, dispensing him from episcopal ordination at his own request.
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