Enrico Feroci was born in Pizzoli, in the province of L'Aquila, on 27 August 1940. At eleven he entered Rome's minor seminary, was ordained a priest on 13 March 1965, and spent the next decade as vice-rector of the minor seminary. From 1976 to 2004 he was pastor of San Frumenzio ai Prati Fiscali in Rome, then of Sant'Ippolito, and in 1995 became a Chaplain of His Holiness.
From 2009 to 2018 he directed Caritas Rome — the diocese's vast charitable operation — also heading the anti-usury foundation Salus Populi Romani. In 2017 he became rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love at Castel di Leva, Rome's most beloved Marian sanctuary, and in 2019 pastor of its parish. Consecrated archbishop on 15 November 2020 (he was 80), he was created a cardinal by Francis on 28 November 2020, with the deaconry of Santa Maria del Divino Amore a Castel di Leva. His motto is Domino necessarius est — “the Lord has need of it” (Mark 11:3).
Consequential Quotes
I am a pastor. I hope to continue being a pastor.
I think that, through me, Pope Francis wanted to give a sign of esteem to all of his priests who work in the Church of Rome, his diocese.
Major Works & Initiatives
Director of Caritas Rome
Led the diocese's vast charitable operation.
Pastor of Divine Love
Rector and pastor of Rome's beloved Marian shrine.
Seminary vice-rector
Formed Rome's seminarians for eight years.
Controversies
On the record
No significant public controversies reported.