Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, Archbishop of Florence (Italy), was born at Todi, Umbria, on November 18, 1936. He was ordained a priest for that diocese on April 2, 1960. He holds a doctorate in classical studies from the University of Perugia.
Cardinal Antonelli was chaplain of the Catholic Teachers’ Association and of various Catholic Action groups, and also served as a seminary rector. He taught literature and art history and lectured in dogmatic theology at the theological institute of Assisi, and was likewise deeply involved in parish activities.
He was appointed Bishop of Gubbio on May 25, 1982 and ordained on August 29. He built the new seminary, the diocesan pastoral centre and a house for the clergy. On October 6, 1988 he was appointed Archbishop of Perugia-Città della Pieve, and resigned on May 26, 1995 following his nomination as Secretary General of the Italian Bishop's Conference. He has held various offices within the Italian Bishops’ Conference and has been active in the hospital, school and university apostolates, setting up chaplaincies and creating groups for social/cultural commitment.
On May 25, 1995 he was nominated Secretary General of the Italian Bishops' Conference for 5 years, and then confirmed on May 25, 2000.
On March 21, 2001 he succeeded Cardinal Silvano Piovanelli as Archbishop of Florence.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the Consistory of October 21, 2003, of the Title of S. Andrea delle Fratte (St. Andrew delle Fratte).
Member of:
- Pontifical Councils: for the Laity; for Social Communications.
