# Sergio Sebastiani

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Italian prelate of the Catholic Church (1931–2024)

His Eminence Sergio Sebastiani President Emeritus of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See Sebastiani in 2009 Church Roman Catholic Church Appointed 3 November 1997 Term ended 12 April 2008 Predecessor Edmund Casimir Szoka Successor Velasio De Paolis Other post Cardinal-Priest of Sant'Eustachio "pro hac vice" (2001–2024)[a] Previous posts Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Madagascar (1976–1985) Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Mauritius (1976–1985) Titular Archbishop of Cesarea in Mauretania (1976–2001) Apostolic Nuncio to Turkey (1985–1994) Secretary General of the Committee for the Great Jubilee of 2000 (1994–1997) President of Peregrinatio ad Petri Sedem (1996–1997) Orders Ordination 15 July 1956 by Norberto Pirini Consecration 30 October 1976 by Jean-Marie Villot Created cardinal 21 February 2001 by Pope John Paul II Rank Cardinal Deacon (2001–2011) Cardinal Priest (2011–2024) Personal details Born Sergio Sebastiani (1931-04-11)11 April 1931 Montemonaco, Italy Died 16 January 2024(2024-01-16) (aged 92) Rome, Italy Alma mater Pontifical Gregorian University Pontifical Lateran University Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy Coat of arms

Styles of Sergio Sebastiani Reference style His Eminence Spoken style Your Eminence Informal style Cardinal See Caesarea in Mauretania (titular)

**Sergio Sebastiani** (11 April 1931 – 16 January 2024) was an Italian [prelate](/source/Prelate) of the [Catholic Church](/source/Catholic_Church) who was head of the [Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See](/source/Prefecture_for_the_Economic_Affairs_of_the_Holy_See) from 1997 to 2008. He was made a [cardinal](/source/Cardinal_(Catholicism)) in 2001. From 1960 to 1994 he worked in the diplomatic service of the [Holy See](/source/Holy_See), becoming an archbishop and [apostolic nuncio](/source/Apostolic_nuncio) in 1976 and leading the offices representing the Vatican in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Turkey.

## Biography

Sergio Sebastiani was born in [Montemonaco](/source/Montemonaco), Italy. He studied at the Episcopal Seminary of Ascoli Piceno and later at the Archiepiscopal Seminary of [Fermo](/source/Fermo). He continued his studies at the [Pontifical Gregorian University](/source/Pontifical_Gregorian_University) in Rome where he earned his [licentiate](/source/Licentiate_(degree)) in [theology](/source/Theology) and at the [Pontifical Lateran University](/source/Pontifical_Lateran_University) where he was awarded a doctorate in [canon law](/source/Canon_law). He was ordained on 15 July 1956 in Fermo. After this, he studied in Rome until 1960.

Sebastiani served as secretary of [nunciature in Perú](/source/Apostolic_Nunciature_to_Peru), 1960–1962; in [nunciature in Brazil](/source/Apostolic_Nuncio_to_Brazil) 1962–1966; auditor in nunciature in Chile, 1966–1967. He was recalled to the Vatican as secretary of Cardinal Cicognani and subsequently Cardinal Villot during their terms as secretaries of State, and later head of the secretariat of the Sostituto, 1967–1974. The decision was taken to appoint him to the rank of Counselor of [nunciature in France](/source/Apostolic_Nuncio_to_France) with special charge before the [Council of Europe](/source/Council_of_Europe), 1974–1976. He was created [Prelate of honour](/source/Monsignor) on 30 April 1974.[1][2]

On 27 September 1976, [Pope Paul VI](/source/Pope_Paul_VI) appointed him [Titular Archbishop](/source/Titular_Archbishop) of [Caesarea in Mauretania](/source/Caesarea_in_Mauretania) and [Apostolic Pro-Nuncio](/source/Apostolic_Pro-Nuncio) to [Madagascar](/source/Apostolic_Nunciature_to_Madagascar).[3] He added Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to [Mauritius](/source/Mauritius) on 24 November.[4] Sebastiani became [Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Turkey](/source/Apostolic_Nunciature_to_Turkey) on 8 January 1985.[5] In 1994, he was appointed General Secretary of the Central Committee for the Great [Jubilee](/source/Jubilee_(Christian)) of the Year 2000.[6] From 2 May 1996[7] to 3 November 1997,[8] he was president of [Peregrinatio ad Petri Sedem](/source/Peregrinatio_ad_Petri_Sedem), the Vatican agency that promotes and supports pilgrims on their visits to Rome.

In 1997, Sebastiani was made President of the [Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See](/source/Prefecture_for_the_Economic_Affairs_of_the_Holy_See), part of the [Roman Curia](/source/Roman_Curia), responsible for auditing the temporal possessions of the [Holy See](/source/Holy_See). He served in this position until his resignation on 12 April 2008. Pope Benedict XVI named [Velasio De Paolis](/source/Velasio_De_Paolis) as Sebastiani's successor.[9]

Sebastiani was created [Cardinal-Deacon](/source/Cardinal-Deacon) of [S. Eustachio](/source/Sant'Eustachio) on 21 February 2001, and was one of the [cardinal electors](/source/Cardinal_electors_in_Papal_conclave%2C_2005) who participated in the [2005 papal conclave](/source/Papal_conclave%2C_2005) that selected [Pope Benedict XVI](/source/Pope_Benedict_XVI). On 21 February 2011, he opted for the order of Cardinal Priest, with his former diaconal church elevated to the level of cardinalitial title.[10]

Sebastiani was the spiritual guide and protector of an organisation that styles itself the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta,[11] one of many private organizations mimicking the [Sovereign Military Order of Malta](/source/Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta).

Sebastiani died on 16 January 2024, at the age of 92.[12]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Cardinal-Deacon from 2001 to 2011; he became a Cardinal-Priest in 2011 but held this particular church since being named as a cardinal.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["SEBASTIANI Card. Sergio"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_sebastiani_s.html). *press.vatican.va*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170904070524/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_sebastiani_s.html) from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** CNA. ["Sebastiani, Sergio*"](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55244/sebastiani-sergio*). *Catholic News Agency*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240117104625/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55244/sebastiani-sergio*) from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-68-1976-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LXVIII. 1976. pp. 683, 742. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-68-1976-ocr.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-68-1976-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LXVIII. 1976. p. 749. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-68-1976-ocr.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-77-1985-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LXXVII. 1985. p. 181. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210618122413/https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-77-1985-ocr.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** di Bussolo, Alessandro (16 January 2024). ["Pope Francis pays tribute to late Cardinal Sebastiani - Vatican News"](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-01/cardinal-sebastiani-dies-pope-francis-tribute.html). *www.vaticannews.va*. Vatican News. Retrieved 19 November 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](http://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-88-1996-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LXXXVIII. 1996. p. 528. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200324231310/http://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-88-1996-ocr.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](http://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-89-1997-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LXXXIX. 1997. p. 816. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230516094425/https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-89-1997-ocr.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 16 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Rinunce e Nomine, 12.04.2008"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2008/04/12/0241/00554.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 12 April 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191213051430/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2008/04/12/0241/00554.html) from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Concistoro per il voto su alcune cause di canonizzazione 21.2.2011](http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/26896.php?index=26896&lang=en) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120320184013/http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/26896.php?index=26896&lang=en) 20 March 2012 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Vatican"](http://shosj.org/web/vatican.html). Retrieved 6 December 2012.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Ascoli, si è spento il cardinale Sergio Sebastiani"](https://www.corriereadriatico.it/ascoli_piceno/ascoli_lutto_morto_cardinale_sergio_sebastiani_funerale_quando_dove_roma_ultime_notizie-7875153.html). Corriere Adriatico. 16 January 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240116111647/https://www.corriereadriatico.it/ascoli_piceno/ascoli_lutto_morto_cardinale_sergio_sebastiani_funerale_quando_dove_roma_ultime_notizie-7875153.html) from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.

## External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to ***[Sergio Sebastiani](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Sergio_Sebastiani)***.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Sergio Sebastiani](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sergio_Sebastiani).

- ["Sebastiani Card. Sergio"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_sebastiani_s.html). [Holy See Press Office](/source/Holy_See_Press_Office). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170904070524/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_sebastiani_s.html) from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.

- [Sergio Sebastiani on Catholic Hierarchy](http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bsebs.html)

- [Profile in Salvador Miranda's biographical dictionary](https://cardinals.fiu.edu/bios-s.htm#Sebastiani)

- [Sergio Sebastiani on GCatholic.org](http://www.gcatholic.org/hierarchy/data/cardJP2-8.htm#153)

Diplomatic posts Preceded by Michele Cecchini Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Madagascar 27 September 1976 – 8 January 1985 Succeeded by Agostino Marchetto Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Mauritius 27 September 1976 – 8 January 1985 Preceded by Salvatore Asta Apostolic Nuncio to Turkey 8 January 1985 – 16 November 1994 Succeeded by Pier Luigi Celata Catholic Church titles Preceded by Giuseppe Moizo — TITULAR — Titular Archbishop of Cesarea in Mauretania 27 September 1976 – 21 February 2001 Succeeded by Gerard Johannes Nicolaas de Korte Preceded by Camillo Ruini President of the Peregrinatio ad Petri Sedem 2 May 1996 – 3 November 1997 Succeeded by Crescenzio Sepe Preceded by Edmund Szoka President of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See 3 November 1997 – 12 April 2008 Succeeded by Velasio De Paolis Preceded by Guido del Mestri Cardinal Deacon of San Eustachio 21 February 2001 – 21 February 2011 Himself as Cardinal Priest Himself as Cardinal Deacon Cardinal Priest 'pro hac vice' of San Eustachio 21 February 2011 – 16 January 2024 Vacant

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sergio Sebastiani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergio_Sebastiani) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergio_Sebastiani?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.