Assisi: 119th successor to Saint Francis elected

Fr Jose Rodriguez Carballo

This morning, 4 June, the assembly of the 152 representatives of the Order of Friars Minor gathered in Saint Mary of the Angels of Assisi, for the General Chapter, confirmed Fr Jose Rodriguez Carballo as their new superior.

The rite of election was presided by the Holy Father's delegate, Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, who presented the new elect with 'the seal of all the Order of Friars Minor.'

The 187th General Chapter of the Order of Friars Minor, began on May 24 and will conclude on 20 June. Its theme is: "Preachers of God's Word to the Whole World."

Fr Jose Rodriguez Carballo is from Spain and was born 11 August, 1953. He has served as Minister General since 2003. He previously ministered as follows: General Definitor and General Secretary for Formation and Studies; Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Province of Santiago de Compostela (Spain); President of the Union of Friars Minor in Europe and as Director of young religious in formation.

After having received a License in Biblical Theology in Jerusalem and a License in Sacred Scripture in Rome, he taught these subjects in the major seminary in the Spanish city of Vigo and in the Theological Faculty of Santiago de Compostela.

Br José Rodriguez Carballo is the 119th successor of Saint Francis. He will lead the 15,000 members of the Order of Friars Minor until 2015.

Source: Fides