Pope names Special Delegate for the Memores Domini association

By Vatican News

Pope Francis, “taking to heart the experience of Memores Domini and recognizing in its charism a manifestation of God’s grace, has ordered a change in the management of the Association, appointing as his Special Delegate His Excellency Bishop Filippo Santoro, archbishop of Taranto.”

The Holy Father’s decision was announced in a communiqué from the Holy See published on Friday.

The statement says that beginning on September 25, 2021, as special delegate, Archbishop Santoro “will temporarily assume, ad nutum [“at the disposition”] of the Apostolic See, with full powers, the governance of the Association, in order to safeguard its charism and preserve the unity of its members.” It notes that at the same time “the current general government of the Association will lapse.”

The Vatican’s communique adds, “The Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life has appointed Fr. Gianfranco Ghirlanda, S.J., as pontifical assistant for canonical matters relating to the Association.”