Giovanni Battista Re — Profile, Rankings & Fame Trend

Summary

Updated 2026-06-21

He chaired the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013, and now holds the oldest formal title in the Catholic hierarchy: Dean of the College of Cardinals, the senior among those who choose popes.

Biography

About

Giovanni Battista Re was born in northern Italy on 30 January 1934 and rose through the Vatican's diplomatic and administrative ranks. In 2000 he was named prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, the office that vets bishop appointments worldwide, a post he held for a decade. Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal in 2001. By 2013 he had become the most senior cardinal bishop present in Rome, which gave him the chair at the conclave that spring—the gathering that elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. Seven years later, in 2020, he was formally named Dean of the College of Cardinals, t…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Giovanni Battista Re

Giovanni Battista Re

said8 May 2025

I hope for white smoke this evening. (May 8, 2025 at 11:01 a.m.)

— Auspico la fumata bianca per questa sera.

Giovanni Battista Re

saidundated

Only by following Christ and accepting his teaching can we find adequate ways and criteria for building a future of unity and justice, the civilisation of love and peace.

— CELAM 5 in Aparecida- “All of us here are called to live an experience of Church and to make our contribution to an event which will be

Giovanni Battista Re

saidundated

The lack of ideals is what leads to emptiness and boredom. That is why, dear young people, I encourage you not to postpone life's fundamental decisions.

— Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at the closing ceremony for the First National Youth Day: “Life is worth living, but only when it is lived

Giovanni Battista Re

saidundated