Born in Foglizzo, Italy on October 1, 1942.

He was ordained a Priest on June 29, 1966. On October 17,1987 he was appointed Titular Archbishop of Urbs Salvia, as well as the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Benin, Ghana and Togo.

He was ordained a Bishop on November 28, 1987.

On January 12, 1991 he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda, and in March of 1995 he was also appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Other. He was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to México on December 27, 2000, and on January 11, 2007 he was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and San Marino.

Later that year, on October 1, 2011 he was appointed President of the Governatorate of Vatican City State, and President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.

On February 18, 2012, he was appointed Cardinal-Deacon of Santi Vito, Modesto e Crescenzia and elevated to Cardinal as President of the Governatorate of Vatican City State. He was installed June 17, 2012.