Pope Francis has chosen a Uruguayan priest who has worked with street children to be one of his two personal secretaries.
The Vatican said on Sunday that Francis has known Father Gonzalo Aemilius since 2006 when the pontiff was then archbishop of Buenos Aires.
A few days after Francis was elected pontiff in 2013, he recognised Fr Aemilius in a crowd of well-wishers outside a Vatican gate and invited him into the church where the pontiff was about to celebrate his first public Mass as pope.
Fr Aemilius, 40, replaces an Argentinian priest who had been the pope's secretary since 2013 but who last month returned to his job at the Vatican's office dealing with bishops.
An Egyptian priest serves as the pope's other personal secretary.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
Article by Press Association
Reporting courtesy of Press Association.
