Pope Appoints Argentine Bishop Head of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

This Saturday, Pope Francis appointed Victor Manuel Fernandez, an Argentine bishop, his compatriot and trusted theological adviser, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, one of the most powerful positions in the Vatican.

Victor Manuel Fernandez, Archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, was appointed head of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and was nicknamed the “Pontifical Theologian” because he is believed to have helped write some of Francis’ most important writings. documentation.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reinforces the orthodoxy of church doctrine and disciplines theologians who are perceived to deviate from Catholic doctrine in their lectures or publications. Over the past decades, it has taken on much greater significance for ordinary parishioners as the contagion of pedophile priests has spread throughout the world.

Among the functions of the congregation is the evaluation and prosecution of allegations of sexual abuse against the clergy.

The Argentine bishop is said to have been one of the main authors of some of Pope Francis’ most important documents, notably “God is love,” a 2016 exhortation that opened the door to allowing divorced Catholics who remarry in civil ceremonies to receive communion. .

The new head will replace the Spanish cardinal Luis Ladaria, who is retiring.

Victor Manuel Fernandez, 60, will take office in mid-September, the Vatican said in a statement announcing his appointment.