Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, born January 30, 1934, in Borno, Italy, is an Italian cardinal and Dean of the College of Cardinals since 2020. Ordained in 1957, he served in the Roman Curia for over five decades, notably as Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops (2000–2010) and cardinal since 2001. At 91, he led Pope Francis’ funeral in 2025 but cannot vote in conclaves due to age.

Articles by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, gives the homily in St. Peter’s Basilica at the ‘Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice’ Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on May 7, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

FULL TEXT and VIDEO: Cardinal Re’s homily for the Mass for the Election of the Supreme Pontiff

May 7, 2025 / 04:43 am

FULL TEXT: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s homily for the Mass for the election of the Supreme Pontiff.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presides over the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square, Saturday, April 26, 2025 Credit: Vatican Media

Funeral Mass of Pope Francis: Full text and video of homily by Cardinal Re

Apr 26, 2025 / 05:32 am

“The outpouring of affection that we have witnessed ... tells us how much the profound pontificate of Pope Francis touched minds and hearts,” Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said.