Pope Leo XIV Appoints Archbishop Viola as New Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Leo XIV has named Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola as archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica and vicar for Vatican City, succeeding Cardinal Mauro Gambetti. Bishop Aurelio García Macías will take over Viola's role at the Dicastery for Divine Worship.
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola as the new archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica and his vicar for Vatican City, the Vatican announced on 10 October. The 61-year-old Franciscan, who currently serves as secretary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, succeeds Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, also a Franciscan, whom the pope named archbishop of the central Italian Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto last week.
As archpriest, Archbishop Viola will oversee the daily administration of St. Peter's Basilica and preside over liturgies when the pope is not present. Pope Leo also named him president of the Fabric of St. Peter, the Vatican office responsible for maintaining the basilica complex. According to Pope Francis' apostolic constitution «Praedicate Evangelium» on the reform of the Roman Curia, the Fabric of St. Peter «deals with everything that concerns the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter», including «the conservation and decorum of the building, and the internal discipline» of staff, pilgrims and visitors.
Archbishop Viola has served in the Roman Curia since 2021. Before becoming secretary for the liturgy dicastery, he was bishop of the northern Italian Diocese of Tortona from 2014 to 2021. He holds a doctorate in sacred liturgy from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Sant'Anselmo in Rome. His episcopal motto is «I discover You in Your sacraments».
Born in the city of Biella in the northern Italian region of Piedmont in 1965, Archbishop Viola entered the Franciscan order after graduating high school and was ordained to the priesthood in 1993 in Assisi, Italy. He went on to serve as custos of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and later of the Convent at the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi.
In a related appointment, the Vatican also announced on 10 October that Pope Leo has named Spanish Bishop Aurelio García Macías to succeed Archbishop Viola as the new secretary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Bishop García Macías has worked in the dicastery since 2015 and as undersecretary since 2021.
The appointment of Archbishop Viola marks a continuation of Franciscan leadership at St. Peter's Basilica, following Cardinal Gambetti's tenure. The archpriest plays a central role in the spiritual and practical life of the basilica, which draws millions of pilgrims and visitors each year. The Fabric of St. Peter, under the archpriest's presidency, ensures the maintenance and decorum of the building and oversees the conduct of staff and visitors.
Archbishop Viola's background in liturgy and his experience as a diocesan bishop and curial official position him to guide the basilica's liturgical life and administrative operations. His episcopal motto reflects a focus on the sacraments, which will be central to his new responsibilities. The appointment is part of a series of recent Vatican personnel changes under Pope Leo XIV, who continues to shape the Roman Curia and key ecclesiastical offices.
The new archpriest will also serve as the pope's vicar for Vatican City, a role that involves coordinating pastoral care and administrative matters within the small sovereign state. The dual appointment underscores the importance of St. Peter's Basilica as both a spiritual center and a major heritage site. With the Fabric of St. Peter under his leadership, Archbishop Viola will oversee conservation efforts and the daily discipline of the thousands who work and visit the basilica.
Bishop García Macías, meanwhile, brings nearly a decade of experience in the Dicastery for Divine Worship, having served as undersecretary since 2021. His promotion to secretary ensures continuity in the office responsible for promoting and regulating the liturgy in the Catholic Church. The dicastery plays a key role in implementing liturgical norms and supporting the faithful in their worship life.
These appointments come as Pope Leo XIV continues to make his mark on the Roman Curia, following the reform framework established by his predecessor. The selection of Archbishop Viola, a Franciscan with deep roots in Assisi and a scholarly background in liturgy, signals a commitment to both the spiritual and practical dimensions of the Church's central shrine. The Vatican's announcement on 10 October provides clarity on the leadership of two significant offices, ensuring that the basilica and the liturgy dicastery are led by experienced prelates.
5
