Víctor Manuel Fernández: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Argentine Catholic prelate and theologian}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}} |
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{{Infobox Christian leader |
{{Infobox Christian leader |
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| honorific_prefix = [[His Eminence]] |
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| type = Cardinal |
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| name = Víctor Manuel Fernández |
| name = Víctor Manuel Fernández |
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| title = ''[[Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith|Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith]]'' |
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| honorific-suffix = |
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| title = [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of La Plata in Argentina|Archbishop of La Plata]] |
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| image = Víctor Manuel Fernández-(cropped).jpg |
| image = Víctor Manuel Fernández-(cropped).jpg |
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| imagesize = |
| imagesize = |
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| alt = |
| alt = |
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| caption = |
| caption = Fernández in 2013 |
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| other_post = Cardinal-Deacon of [[Santi Urbano e Lorenzo a Prima Porta]] (2023-) |
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| other_post = |
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| church = [[ |
| church = [[Catholic Church]] |
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| appointed = |
| appointed = 1 July 2023 |
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| term_start = 15 September 2023 |
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| enthroned = |
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| term_end = |
| term_end = |
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| predecessor = [[ |
| predecessor = [[Luis Ladaria Ferrer]] |
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| successor = |
| successor = <!---------- Orders ----------> |
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<!---------- Orders ----------> |
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| ordination = 15 August 1986 |
| ordination = 15 August 1986 |
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| ordained_by = Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana |
| ordained_by = Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana |
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| consecration = 15 June 2013 |
| consecration = 15 June 2013 |
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| consecrated_by = [[ |
| consecrated_by = [[Mario Aurelio Poli]] |
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| cardinal = 30 September 2023 |
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<!---------- Personal details ----------> |
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| created_cardinal_by = [[Pope Francis]] |
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| birth_name = Víctor Manuel Fernández |
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| rank = [[Cardinal Deacon]] |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1962|07|18}} |
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<!---------- Personal details ---------->| birth_name = Víctor Manuel Fernández |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1962|07|19}} |
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| birth_place = Alcira Gigena, [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]], [[Argentina]] |
| birth_place = Alcira Gigena, [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]], [[Argentina]] |
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| previous_post = {{unbulleted list|[[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina|Rector of the Pontifical Argentine Catholic College]] (2009–18)|Titular Archbishop of Tiburnia (2013–18)}} |
| previous_post = {{unbulleted list|[[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina|Rector of the Pontifical Argentine Catholic College]] (2009–18)|Titular Archbishop of Tiburnia (2013–18)|Archbishop of La Plata (2018–23)}} |
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| death_date = |
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| death_place = |
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| buried = |
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| nationality = |
| nationality = |
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| alma_mater = {{unbulleted list|[[Pontifical Gregorian University]]|[[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina]]}} |
| alma_mater = {{unbulleted list|[[Pontifical Gregorian University]]|[[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina]]}} |
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| motto = {{lang|es|En medio de tu pueblo}}<br>('Your servant is here among the people', {{Bibleverse|1 Kings|3:8-10}}) |
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| signature = |
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| coat_of_arms = Coat of Arms of Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.png |
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| motto = ''En medio de tu pueblo'' ("In the midst of Your people") |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Infobox |
{{Infobox cardinalstyles |
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| name= Víctor Manuel Fernández |
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| relstyle= [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|Cardinal]] |
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dipstyle=[[The Most Reverend]] | |
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| image = Coat of Arms of Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.png |
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offstyle=[[Your Excellency]] | |
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| image_size = 170px |
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relstyle=[[Monsignor]] | |
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| dipstyle = [[His Eminence]] |
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deathstyle= | |
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| offstyle = [[Your Eminence]] }} |
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image = | |
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image_size = }} |
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'''Víctor Manuel Fernández''' (born 18 July 1962) is an Argentine [[prelate]] of the Catholic Church and a theologian. He served as rector of the [[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina]] from December 2009 to April 2018. He was named Archbishop of [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of La Plata in Argentina|La Plata]] on 2 June 2018. On 1 July 2023, [[Pope Francis]] named Fernández prefect of the [[Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith]] as of mid-September. |
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'''Víctor Manuel Fernández''' (born 18 July 1962) is an Argentine [[prelate]] of the [[Catholic Church]] and a theologian. He is currently the head of the [[Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith]]. |
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He is addressed familiarly as "Tucho".<ref name=lastampa20180602>{{cite news |work=La Stampa | url = http://www.lastampa.it/2018/06/02/vaticaninsider/argentina-vctor-fernndez-es-nuevo-arzobispo-de-la-plata-5kOkemaKOn4PIXE5AMOQwN/amphtml/pagina.amp.html | language =es | access-date = 2 June 2018 | date= 2 June 2018 | first = Andrés | last = Beltramo Álvarez | title =Argentina: Víctor Fernández es nuevo arzobispo de La Plata}}</ref><ref name=nacion2014/> |
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He served as rector of the [[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina]] from December 2009 to April 2018. He was named [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of La Plata in Argentina|Archbishop of La Plata]] on 2 June 2018. On 1 July 2023, [[Pope Francis]] named Fernández prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith as of mid-September. Pope Francis made Fernández a [[cardinal (Catholic Church)|cardinal]] on 30 September 2023.<ref name="lastampa20180602">{{cite news |work=La Stampa | url = http://www.lastampa.it/2018/06/02/vaticaninsider/argentina-vctor-fernndez-es-nuevo-arzobispo-de-la-plata-5kOkemaKOn4PIXE5AMOQwN/amphtml/pagina.amp.html | language =es | access-date = 2 June 2018 | date= 2 June 2018 | first = Andrés | last = Beltramo Álvarez | title =Argentina: Víctor Fernández es nuevo arzobispo de La Plata}}</ref><ref name="nacion2014" /> |
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==Life== |
==Life== |
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===Education and early career=== |
===Education and early career=== |
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He was born on 18 July 1962 in Alcira Gigena, in [[Córdoba Province (Argentina)|Córdoba Province]]. His father Emilio was a shopkeeper who supported [[Raúl Alfonsín]], the radical political leader. Fernández entered the seminary in 1978.<ref name=nacion2014/> |
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He was born on 18 July 1962 in Alcira Gigena, in [[Córdoba Province (Argentina)|Córdoba Province]]. His father Emilio was a shopkeeper who supported [[Raúl Alfonsín]], the radical political leader. Fernández entered the seminary in 1978,<ref name=nacion2014/> studying philosophy and theology at the major seminary of [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]]. He was ordained a Roman Catholic deacon on 21 December 1985 and a priest on 15 August 1986 at [[Río Cuarto, Córdoba|Río Cuarto]], where he spent most of his ecclesiastical career. In 1988 he obtained a degree in Theology with a biblical specialization at the [[Pontifical Gregorian University]] in [[Rome]], and he obtained a doctorate in Theology at the Theology Faculty of the [[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina]] in 1990, with a thesis about the relationship between knowledge and life in Saint [[Bonaventure]]. In [[Río Cuarto, Córdoba|Río Cuarto]], he was director of catechesis and advisor of lay movements from 1989 to 1997, founder and rector of the Faculty of Sacred Sciences and Philosophy «Jesús Buen Pastor» and of the Diocesan Institute of Lay Formation from 1990 to 1993. He was priest of the parish of Santa Teresita from 1993 to 2000. He served as a trainer and study director of the Rio Cuarto seminary from 1988 to 1993 and from 2000 to 2007, and he was a delegate of ecumenism from 2003 to 2005. |
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===Theologian and educator=== |
===Theologian and educator=== |
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In the late 1990s, he followed the recommendation of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires [[Jorge Bergoglio]] and declined an invitation to head a theological institute in [[Bogotá]].<ref name=nacion2014>{{cite news | access-date = 19 February 2023 | language = es | url = https://www.lanacion.com.ar/opinion/victor-fernandez-el-arzobispo-en-quien-confia-el-papa-para-seguir-de-cerca-la-politica-local-nid1693868/ | newspaper = La Nación | title = Víctor Fernández, el arzobispo en quien confía el Papa para seguir de cerca la política local | date = 25 May 2014 | first = Mariano | last = De Vedia}}</ref> |
In the late 1990s, he followed the recommendation of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires [[Jorge Bergoglio]] and declined an invitation to head a theological institute in [[Bogotá]].<ref name=nacion2014>{{cite news | access-date = 19 February 2023 | language = es | url = https://www.lanacion.com.ar/opinion/victor-fernandez-el-arzobispo-en-quien-confia-el-papa-para-seguir-de-cerca-la-politica-local-nid1693868/ | newspaper = La Nación | title = Víctor Fernández, el arzobispo en quien confía el Papa para seguir de cerca la política local | date = 25 May 2014 | first = Mariano | last = De Vedia}}</ref> |
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He headed the Faculty of Theology at the [[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina]] (CUA) when Cardinal Bergoglio nominated him to serve as its rector on 15 December 2009.<ref name=nacion2014/> He took his oath of office on 20 May 2011,<ref name=ucabio>{{cite web|url = http://www.uca.edu.ar/index.php/site/index/es/uca/la-universidad/autoridades/rectorado/ |title= Rector: Mons. Dr. Víctor Manuel Fernández |website= Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina |language=es | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120930013236/http://www.uca.edu.ar/index.php/site/index/es/uca/la-universidad/autoridades/rectorado/ | archive-date= 30 September 2012 }}</ref> when his designation received confirmation from the [[Congregation for Catholic Education]], which had withheld its assent while Fernandez responded to objections to his appointment from the [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]] (CDF).<ref name=cna20180425/> Bergoglio resented this questioning of his judgment and Fernández found the process itself disrespectful when he traveled to Rome only to have the CDF cancel a meeting at the last minute.<ref name=lastampa20180602/> In July 2023, after his nomination as prefect, he stated the CDF "even investigated me"; he added that over the span of months he "clarified [his] true thinking [to the CDF] and everything was resolved serenely". Cardinal [[Gerhard Ludwig Müller|Gerhard Müller]], who headed the CDF from 2012 to 2017, confirmed that the CDF had maintained a file on Fernández in the late 2000s due to concerns about his theology.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 July 2023|title=Cardinal Müller Confirms Vatican Doctrinal Office Had File Warning About Archbishop Fernández |url=https://www.ncregister.com/news/cardinal-mueller-confirms-vatican-doctrinal-office-had-file-warning-about-archbishop-fernandez |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=National Catholic Register |language=en}}</ref> |
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He was an expert of the Faith and Culture Commission and the Secretariat for the Permanent Formation of the [[Argentine Episcopal Conference]], reader of the Commission of Catechesis of the Argentine Episcopate, member of the reflection team that advised the Argentine episcopate for the updating of the Pastoral Lines (NMA), and collaborator in [[CELAM]] in the field of pastoral theological reflection and also as a guest and expert in the Editorial Committee of the V General Assemply of the [[Episcopal Conference of Latin America]] in Aparecida in 2007. |
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Two months after Cardinal Bergoglio became [[Pope Francis]], he named Fernández titular archbishop of [[Tiburnia]] on 13 May 2013,<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2013/05/13/0293/00659.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 2 June 2018 |date= 13 May 2013 | title = Rinunce e Nomine, 13.05.2013 | language = it}}</ref> and he received his episcopal consecration on 15 June 2013<ref name=pr20180602/> in the [[Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires]] from the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, [[Mario Poli]], with the Archbishop of Santa Fe José María Arancedo, the bishop of Río Cuarto, Eduardo Martín, the bishop of Quilmes, Carlos Tissera, and the Archbishop of Corrientes, Andrés Stanovnik, as consecrators.<ref>{{cite news |title=El rector de la UCA fue nombrado arzobispo y llevará una cruz del papa Francisco |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/1592412-el-rector-de-la-uca-fue-nombrado-arzobispo-y-llevara-una-cruz-del-papa-francisco |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=La Nacion |date=15 June 2013 |archive-date= 18 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618183751/https://www.lanacion.com.ar/1592412-el-rector-de-la-uca-fue-nombrado-arzobispo-y-llevara-una-cruz-del-papa-francisco/ | language=es}}</ref> Fernández wore a pectoral cross Francis sent him from Rome.<ref>{{cite news | work=La Gaceta |language=es | access-date = 3 June 2018 | url = https://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/548812/nacional/fernandez-cruz-papa-fue-ungido-arzobispo.html | title =Fernández, con una cruz del Papa, fue ungido arzobispo | date= 16 June 2013}}</ref> He was the first rector of the University to be made an archbishop.<ref name=cna20180425>{{cite news |last1=Bermudez |first1=Alejandro |title=Analysis: Pope's personal theologian expected to lead major Argentine archdiocese |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/38273/analysis-popes-personal-theologian-expected-to-lead-major-argentine-archdiocese |access-date=2 June 2018 |agency=Catholic News Agency |date=25 April 2018}}</ref> As Francis' first Argentine episcopal appointment, it was seen as a rebuke to the Roman Curia with which Francis as Archbishop of Buenos Aires had an occasionally antagonistic relationship, especially with the attempt of some in Rome to block Fernández' appointment as rector of UCA in 2011.<ref name=lastampa20180602/> |
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He was professor of numerous subjects in several institutions. He taught at the Faculty of Theology of the PCUA, and also at the Franciscan Theological Institute of Saint [[Anthony of Padua]]. |
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He was co-director of several books published by the Faculty of Theology of the UCA and director of Theology Magazine from 2003 to 2008. He also presided over the Argentine Society of Theology from September 2007 to December 2009. |
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He headed the Faculty of Theology at the [[Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina]] (CUA) when Cardinal Bergoglio nominated him to serve as its rector on 15 December 2009.<ref name=nacion2014/> He took his oath of office on 20 May 2011,<ref name=ucabio>{{cite web|url = http://www.uca.edu.ar/index.php/site/index/es/uca/la-universidad/autoridades/rectorado/ |title= Rector: Mons. Dr. Víctor Manuel Fernández |website= Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina |language=es | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120930013236/http://www.uca.edu.ar/index.php/site/index/es/uca/la-universidad/autoridades/rectorado/ | archive-date= 30 September 2012 }}</ref> when his designation received confirmation from the [[Congregation for Catholic Education]], which had withheld its assent while Fernandez responded to objections to his appointment from the [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]] (CDF).<ref name=cna20180425/> Bergoglio resented this questioning of his judgment and Fernández found the process itself disrespectful when he traveled to Rome only to have the CDF cancel a meeting at the last minute.<ref name=lastampa20180602/> |
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When Cardinal Bergoglio became [[Pope Francis]], he named Fernández titular archbishop of [[Tiburnia]] on 13 May 2013,<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2013/05/13/0293/00659.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 2 June 2018 |date= 13 May 2013 | title = Rinunce e Nomine, 13.05.2013 | language = it}}</ref> and he received his episcopal consecration on 15 June 2013<ref name=pr20180602/> in the [[Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires]] from the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, [[Mario Poli]], with the Archbishop of Santa Fe José María Arancedo, the bishop of Río Cuarto, Eduardo Martín, the bishop of Quilmes, Carlos Tissera, and the Archbishop of Corrientes, Andrés Stanovnik, as consecrators.<ref>{{cite news |title=El rector de la UCA fue nombrado arzobispo y llevará una cruz del papa Francisco |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/1592412-el-rector-de-la-uca-fue-nombrado-arzobispo-y-llevara-una-cruz-del-papa-francisco |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=La Nacion |date=15 June 2013 |language=es}}</ref> Fernández wore a pectoral cross Francis sent him from Rome.<ref>{{cite news | work=La Gaceta |language=es | access-date = 3 June 2018 | url = https://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/548812/nacional/fernandez-cruz-papa-fue-ungido-arzobispo.html | title =Fernández, con una cruz del Papa, fue ungido arzobispo | date= 16 June 2013}}</ref> He was the first rector of the University to be made an archbishop.<ref name=cna20180425>{{cite news |last1=Bermudez |first1=Alejandro |title=Analysis: Pope's personal theologian expected to lead major Argentine archdiocese |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-popes-personal-theologian-expected-to-lead-of-major-argentine-archdiocese-21061 |access-date=2 June 2018 |agency=Catholic News Agency |date=25 April 2018}}</ref> As Francis' first Argentine episcopal appointment, it was seen as a rebuke to the Roman Curia with which Francis as Archbishop of Buenos Aires had an occasionally antagonistic relationship, especially with the attempt of some in Rome to block Fernández' appointment as rector of UCA in 2011.<ref name=lastampa20180602/> |
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Pope Francis named him to the commission that drafted the concluding message (''relatio'') of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, held in October 2014.<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2014/10/10/0746/03035.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 2 June 2018 | date= 10 October 2014 | title = Synod14 - Padri sinodali per la stesura della Relatio Synodi, 10.10.2014 | language=it}}</ref> |
Pope Francis named him to the commission that drafted the concluding message (''relatio'') of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, held in October 2014.<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2014/10/10/0746/03035.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 2 June 2018 | date= 10 October 2014 | title = Synod14 - Padri sinodali per la stesura della Relatio Synodi, 10.10.2014 | language=it}}</ref> |
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===Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith=== |
===Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith=== |
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On 1 July 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to succeed Cardinal [[Luis Ladaria Ferrer]] as prefect of the [[Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith]] (DDF) in mid-September.<ref name=pr20230701>{{Cite press release |date= 1 July 2023 |title= Resignations and Appointments, 01.07.2023 |url= https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/01/230701a.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 1 July 2023 }}</ref> He became the first Argentine Francis has named to a senior position in the [[Roman Curia]].<ref name="oconnell" /> |
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On 1 July 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to succeed Cardinal [[Luis Ladaria Ferrer]] as prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in mid-September.<ref name=pr20230701>{{Cite press release |date= 1 July 2023 |title= Resignations and Appointments, 01.07.2023 |url= https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/01/230701a.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 1 July 2023 }}</ref> A "highly unusual"<ref name=newczar>{{cite news | work = Crux | access-date = 2 July 2023 | date = 1 July 2023 | url = https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/07/pope-charges-new-doctrine-czar-to-spurn-immoral-methods-in-defense-of-the-faith | title = Pope charges new doctrine czar to spurn ‘immoral methods’ in defense of the faith | first = Elise Ann | last = Allen}}</ref> letter written in Spanish<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 2 July 2023 | date = 1 July 2023 | language = es | publisher = Holy See Press Office | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/01/0487/01090.html#LETTERA | title = Lettera del Santo Padre al nuovo Prefetto del Dicastero per la Dottrina della Fede }}</ref> from Pope Francis to Fernández was published alongside the announcement of his appointment. It defined his mission, saying: "The dicastery over which you will preside in other times came to use immoral methods. Those were times when, rather than promoting theological knowledge, possible doctrinal errors were pursued. What I expect from you is certainly something very different."<ref name=pr20230701/> The letter told Fernández to encourage theology aimed at "increasing intelligence and the transmission of the faith at the service of evangelization", noting that his life's work showed he knew how to "put theological knowledge in dialogue with the life of the holy People of God". It directed his attention here rather than to the CDF's new responsibility for clerical discipline and cases of sexual abuse.<ref name=pr20230701/><ref name=newczar/><ref>{{cite news | access-date = 2 July 2023 | date = 2 July 2023 | url = https://www.avvenire.it/chiesa/pagine/monsignor-fernandez-nuovo-prefetto-del-dicastero-per-la-dottrina-della-fede |language = it | newspaper = L'Avvenire | title = Dottrina della Fede, Fernández prefetto. Il Papa: dar ragione della speranza | first = Gianni | last = Cardinale}} ''L'Avvenire'' incorrectly says the pope's letter was dated a month earlier.</ref> |
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A "highly unusual"<ref name="newczar">{{cite news | work = Crux | access-date = 2 July 2023 | date = 1 July 2023 | url = https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/07/pope-charges-new-doctrine-czar-to-spurn-immoral-methods-in-defense-of-the-faith | title = Pope charges new doctrine czar to spurn 'immoral methods' in defense of the faith | first = Elise Ann | last = Allen}}</ref> letter written in Spanish<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 2 July 2023 | date = 1 July 2023 | language = es | publisher = Holy See Press Office | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/01/0487/01090.html#LETTERA | title = Lettera del Santo Padre al nuovo Prefetto del Dicastero per la Dottrina della Fede }}</ref> from Pope Francis to Fernández was published alongside the announcement of his appointment. It defined his mission, saying: "The dicastery over which you will preside in other times came to use immoral methods. Those were times when, rather than promoting theological knowledge, possible doctrinal errors were pursued. What I expect from you is certainly something very different".<ref name="pr20230701" /> The letter told Fernández to encourage theology aimed at "increasing intelligence and the transmission of the faith at the service of evangelization", noting that his life's work showed he knew how to "put theological knowledge in dialogue with the life of the holy [[People of God]]". It directed his attention here rather than to the DDF's new responsibility for clerical discipline and cases of sexual abuse.<ref name="pr20230701" /><ref name="newczar" /><ref>{{cite news | access-date = 2 July 2023 | date = 2 July 2023 | url = https://www.avvenire.it/chiesa/pagine/monsignor-fernandez-nuovo-prefetto-del-dicastero-per-la-dottrina-della-fede |language = it | newspaper = L'Avvenire | title = Dottrina della Fede, Fernández prefetto. Il Papa: dar ragione della speranza | first = Gianni | last = Cardinale}} ''L'Avvenire'' incorrectly says the pope's letter was dated a month earlier.</ref> |
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==Relationship with Pope Francis== |
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Hs relationship with Pope Francis dates to his work for the Argentine Bishops' Conference where he demonstrated his ability to incorporate different viewpoints in drafting group statements. As head of the drafting committee for the Aparecida Conference of CELAM in 2007, Francis relied on Fernandez' skill.<ref name=cna20180425/> The résistance on the part of Roman Curia to Francis' selection of Fernández as rector of UCA is thought to have solidified Francis' support and prompted his naming Fernández an archbishop and giving him important assignments as well.<ref name=lastampa20180602/> |
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In a letter to the faithful of his archdiocese, Fernández said he initially declined the appointment because he did not feel "qualified or trained" to lead the dicastery's section responsible for child abuse, and relented when assured that the specialists in that section were capable of working independently.<ref>{{cite web | access-date = 6 July 2023 | website = Archdiocese of La Plata | url = https://www.arzolap.org.ar/carta-del-arzobispo-a-la-comunidad-y-misa-de-despedida/ | date = 1 July 2023 | language = es | title = Carta del Arzobispo a la Comunidad y Misa de despedida | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230704030418/https://www.arzolap.org.ar/carta-del-arzobispo-a-la-comunidad-y-misa-de-despedida/ | archive-date = 4 July 2023 | url-status = live}}</ref> |
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Trusted by Pope Francis, he is commonly recognized as a contributor to the exhortation ''[[Evangelii gaudium]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mickens |first1=Robert |title='The Pope Is Stronger than His Enemies' |url=https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/letter-rome-30 |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Commonweal Magazine |date=13 May 2015}}</ref> He has also been credited with writing the encyclical ''[[Laudato Si']]''. |
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In an interview after his appointment, Fernandez said he opposed same-sex blessings but stated that those that did not create confusion should be affirmed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-05 |title=New DDF prefect addresses 'confusion' over same-sex blessings |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/new-ddf-prefect-addresses-confusion |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=[[The Pillar]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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Called Francis' "trusted theologian", he is said to have been the principal author of ''[[Amoris Laetitia]]'', the [[apostolic exhortation]] issued by Francis in 2016 following the two sessions of the Synod of Bishops on the Family.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cernuzio |first1=Salvatore |title=From A to Z: On Francis' Anniversary, a Look at the Last 12 Months |url=https://zenit.org/articles/from-a-to-z-on-francis-anniversary-a-look-at-the-last-12-months/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Zenit |date=26 March 2016}}</ref> In his own extended defense of ''Amoris'', Fernandez argued for greater latitude when deciding giving Communion to the divorced and remarried. He wrote that "one cannot maintain those [sexual] acts in each and every case are gravely dishonest in a subjective sense. In the complexity of particular situations is where, according to St. Thomas [Aquinas], 'the indetermination increases'."<ref name=cna20180425/> He has also said that "in many issues I am far more progressive than the Pope".<ref name=cna20180425/> |
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On 9 July 2023, Pope Francis announced plans to make him a cardinal at a consistory scheduled for 30 September.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 9 July 2023| publisher = Holy See Press Office | language = it | title = Le parole del Papa alla recita dell'Angelus, 09.07.2023 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/09/0502/01116.html }}</ref> At that consistory he was created Cardinal-Deacon of [[Santi Urbano e Lorenzo a Prima Porta]].<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 1 October 2023 | date = 30 September 2023 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/09/30/230930b.html | title = Assignation of Titles and Deaconries to the new Cardinals, 30.09.2023 | publisher = Holy See Press Office}}</ref> |
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He has also been called Francis' "primary ghostwriter"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mickens |first1=Robert |title=Francis is reforming Roman Curia by circumvention |url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/roman-observer/francis-reforming-roman-curia-circumvention |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=National Catholic Reporter |date=6 June 2016}}</ref> and ''{{lang|es|estrecho collaborador}}'' ("close collaborator").<ref>{{cite news |last1=del Guercio |first1=Gelsomino |title=Papa Francisco ha abrazado la Teología del Pueblo, no de la Liberación |url=https://es.aleteia.org/2015/05/04/papa-francisco-ha-abrazado-la-teologia-del-pueblo-no-de-la-liberacion/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Aleteia |date=4 May 2015 | language=es}}</ref> Francis cited his essay "The good things of living in this time" in a talk to the clergy of Rome in February 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pope's Full Q & A With Rome's Clergy on February 15 |url=https://zenit.org/articles/popes-full-q-a-with-romes-clergy-on-february-15/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Zenit |date=20 February 2018}}</ref> |
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On 18 December 2023 Pope Francis, approved a DDF ruling, allowing priests to bless unmarried and [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|same-sex couples]]. The Declaration [[Fiducia supplicans|''Fiducia supplicans'']] will allow the blessing of same-sex couples but without any type of ritualization or offering the impression of a marriage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Doctrinal declaration opens possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations - Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/fiducia-supplicans-doctrine-faith-blessing-irregular-couples.html |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.vaticannews.va |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Giuffrida |first=Angela |date=2023-12-18 |title=Vatican gives conditional approval to blessings for same-sex couples |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/18/vatican-gives-conditional-approval-to-blessings-for-same-sex-couples |access-date=2023-12-20 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> This document sparked worldwide opposition, especially from Africa, with at least 25 Episcopal conferences, 46 cardinals and bishops and various organizations criticizing or voicing concerns about the document, including cardinals Müller, Sarah, Napier, Kutwa or Sturla. |
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==Works== |
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On 8 April 2024, Pope Francis, approved the declaration, [[Dignitas Infinita]], which condemned violations of human dignity, including, [[Gender studies|gender theory]], as well as: [[abortion]] and [[Sexism|discrimination against women]]. |
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==Relationship with Pope Francis== |
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https://issuu.com/artofkissing/docs/art_of_kissing |
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His relationship with Pope Francis dates to his work for the Argentine Bishops' Conference where he demonstrated his ability to incorporate different viewpoints in drafting group statements. As head of the drafting committee for the Aparecida Conference of CELAM in 2007, Francis relied on Fernandez' skill.<ref name=cna20180425/> The resistance on the part of Roman Curia to Francis' selection of Fernández as rector of UCA is thought to have solidified Francis' support and prompted his naming Fernández an archbishop and giving him important assignments as well.<ref name=lastampa20180602/> |
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Trusted by Pope Francis, he is commonly recognized as a contributor to the exhortation ''[[Evangelii gaudium]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mickens |first1=Robert |title='The Pope Is Stronger than His Enemies' |url=https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/letter-rome-30 |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Commonweal Magazine |date=13 May 2015}}</ref> He wrote or "contributed in significant ways" to the encyclical ''[[Laudato Si']]''.<ref name=newczar/><ref name=oconnell>{{cite news | access-date = 4 July 2023 | work = [[America (magazine)|America]] | date = 1 July 2023 | url = https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/07/01/francis-doctrine-vatican-fernandez-argentina-245630 | first = Gerard | last = O'Connell | title = Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez as the new head of Vatican office for doctrine }}</ref> |
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Sáname con tu boca: El arte de besar. |
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Called Francis' "trusted theologian", he is said to have been the principal author of ''[[Amoris Laetitia]]'', the [[apostolic exhortation]] issued by Francis in 2016 following the two sessions of the Synod of Bishops on the Family.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cernuzio |first1=Salvatore |title=From A to Z: On Francis' Anniversary, a Look at the Last 12 Months |url=https://zenit.org/articles/from-a-to-z-on-francis-anniversary-a-look-at-the-last-12-months/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Zenit |date=26 March 2016}}</ref> In his own extended defense of ''Amoris'', Fernandez argued for greater latitude when deciding giving Communion to the divorced and remarried. He wrote that "one cannot maintain those [sexual] acts in each and every case are gravely dishonest in a subjective sense. In the complexity of particular situations is where, according to [[Thomas Aquinas|St. Thomas [Aquinas]]], 'the indetermination increases'".<ref name=cna20180425/> He has also said that "in many issues I am far more progressive than the Pope".<ref name=cna20180425/> |
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https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?isbn=9789507245107 |
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He has also been called Francis' "primary ghostwriter",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mickens |first1=Robert |title=Francis is reforming Roman Curia by circumvention |url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/roman-observer/francis-reforming-roman-curia-circumvention |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=National Catholic Reporter |date=6 June 2016}}</ref> as well as his close collaborator.<ref>{{cite news |last1=del Guercio |first1=Gelsomino |title=Papa Francisco ha abrazado la Teología del Pueblo, no de la Liberación |url=https://es.aleteia.org/2015/05/04/papa-francisco-ha-abrazado-la-teologia-del-pueblo-no-de-la-liberacion/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Aleteia |date=4 May 2015 | language=es}}</ref> Francis cited his essay "The Good Things of Living in This Time" in a talk to the clergy of Rome in February 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pope's Full Q & A With Rome's Clergy on February 15 |url=https://zenit.org/articles/popes-full-q-a-with-romes-clergy-on-february-15/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=Zenit |date=20 February 2018}}</ref> |
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He already published more than 300 books and articles in [[Argentina]] and in countries in [[Latin America]] and [[Europe]], which have been translated into several languages, including English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Polish. His writings of spirituality combine scholarship with practicality, contributions of psychology, biblical exegesis and dialogue with several religions. |
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==Works== |
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In ''Il progetto di Francesco. Dove vuole portare la Chiesa'' (''The Francis project. Where he wants to take the Church''), a book-length interview Fernandez gave to the journalist Paolo Rodari from the Italian daily ''[[La Repubblica]]'', he describes the broad themes of Francis' papacy, the need to view moral issues in context rather than assert them as non-negotiable, to "set hearts on fire" rather than reiterate dated "philosophical or natural law-related" arguments. He said: "For example, it is no good opposing same-sex marriage because people tend to see us as a group of resentful, cruel, insensitive, over-the-top even, individuals. It is an entirely different thing to talk about the beauty of marriage and the harmony of differences that form part of an alliance between a man and woman. This positive context speaks for itself when it comes to showing that the use of the same term 'marriage' to describe same-sex unions, in unsuitable."<ref>{{cite news |title=Pope's theologian discusses the distortion of non-negotiable principles |url=http://www.lastampa.it/2014/03/03/vaticaninsider/popes-theologian-discusses-the-distortion-of-nonnegotiable-principles-12I9GneuNSV69fE6odIMaJ/pagina.html |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=La Stampa |date=3 March 2014}}</ref> |
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His book ''Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing'' was published in 1995; it contains a theological analysis on the art of kissing. The book resurfaced in 2023 following Fernandez's appointment to the DDF; he defended it, denying that it contained heresy or heterodox teachings, but stated that he would not write it today and that its republishing had already been discontinued.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calatrava |first=Almudena |date=2023-07-17 |title=‘Heal Me with Your Mouth. The Art of Kissing.' An old book sparks a new controversy in the Vatican |url=https://apnews.com/article/archbishop-fernandez-kissing-pope-argentina-2ef12e7f37400147ba7d9feecfe89d56 |access-date= |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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In 1998 published in Mexico the book ''Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality'' that includes graphic descriptions of human sexual relations and discussion of what the Argentinian theologian describes as "mystical orgasm". It depicts in detail an imaginary erotic encounter with Jesus Christ on the shores of Galilee. The book's final section focuses on the human orgasm and its connection to divine intimacy. Fernández’s description of "an experience of love, a passionate encounter with Jesus, that a sixteen-year-old-teenager [girl] told me about", is in the book’s sixth chapter.<ref>{{cite news |last=Liedl |first=Jonathan |date=8 January 2024 |title=Rediscovered Book by Cardinal Fernández Features Graphic Erotic Passages on ‘Spirituality and Sensuality’ |url=https://www.ncregister.com/cna/rediscovered-book-by-cardinal-fernandez-features-graphic-erotic-passages-on-spirituality-and-sensuality |access-date= |work=[[National Catholic Register]]}}</ref> Fernandez later described the work as "a book of my youth that I certainly would not write now" and that "could be misinterpreted"; he argued that he dismissed it soon after his publishing and ordered it not to be re-printed and later wrote "more serious works" on mysticism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLellan |first=Justin |date=2024-01-09 |title=Cardinal Fernandez says his graphic book on sexuality not something he'd write today |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/01/09/fernandez-book-sexuality-ddf-doctrine-246835 |access-date= |website=[[America (magazine)|America]] |language=en}}</ref> Some [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases|clerical sex abuse]] survivors described themselves as "deeply troubled" by Fernandez's works,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christian |first=Gina |date=2024-01-22 |title=Abuse survivors deeply troubled by Cardinal Fernández’s resurfaced book on sex and orgasms |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/01/22/cardinal-fernandez-book-sex-abuse-246996 |access-date= |website=[[America (magazine)|America]] |language=en}}</ref> while the John Paul II Academy for Human Life and Family urged Pope Francis to dismiss Fernandez from his post.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Ryan |last2= |first2= |date=2024-01-25 |title=Catholic group urges Pope to dismiss cardinal who wrote erotic story about Jesus |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/catholic-org-asks-pope-to-dismiss-cardinal-over-sexual-books.html |access-date= |website=[[The Christian Post]] |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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This is a list of his principal writings.<ref name=ucabio/> |
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In ''Il progetto di Francesco. Dove vuole portare la Chiesa'' (''The Francis Project: Where He Wants to Take the Church''), a book-length interview Fernandez gave to the journalist Paolo Rodari from the Italian daily ''[[La Repubblica]]'', he describes the broad themes of Francis' papacy, the need to view moral issues in context rather than assert them as non-negotiable, to "set hearts on fire" rather than reiterate dated "philosophical or natural law-related" arguments. He said: "For example, it is no good opposing same-sex marriage because people tend to see us as a group of resentful, cruel, insensitive, over-the-top even, individuals. It is an entirely different thing to talk about the beauty of marriage and the harmony of differences that form part of an alliance between a man and woman. This positive context speaks for itself when it comes to showing that the use of the same term 'marriage' to describe same-sex unions, is unsuitable."<ref>{{cite news |title=Pope's theologian discusses the distortion of non-negotiable principles |url=http://www.lastampa.it/2014/03/03/vaticaninsider/popes-theologian-discusses-the-distortion-of-nonnegotiable-principles-12I9GneuNSV69fE6odIMaJ/pagina.html |access-date=2 June 2018 |work=La Stampa |date=3 March 2014}}</ref> |
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;Theology |
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*''Salir de sí. Plenitud de conocimiento y de vida'', 1991. |
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==See also== |
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*''Dios y el hombre en los límites'', 1993. |
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* [[Cardinals created by Francis]] |
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*''Sáname con tu Boca: El Arte de Besar'', 1995. |
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*''Actividad, espiritualidad y descanso''', 2001. |
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*''Vivir en paz'', 2003. |
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*''Catequesis con Espíritu'', 2003. |
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*''La gracia y la vida entera'', 2003. |
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*''Claves para vivir en plenitud'', 2003. |
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*''Teología espiritual encarnada. Profundidad espiritual en acción'', 2004 |
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*''La oración pastoral'', 2006 |
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*''Gracia. Nociones básicas para pensar la vida nueva'', 2010. |
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*''Contemplativi nell´azione attivi nella contemplazione'', 2014. |
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;Biblical theology and exegesis |
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*''San Juan y su mundo. Comentario al cuarto Evangelio'', 1992. |
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*''El Apocalipsis y el tercer milenio'', 1998. |
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*''El Evangelio de Juan. Un comentario pastoral'', 1999. |
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*''El Evangelio de cada día. Comentario'', 2000. |
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*''El Evangelio de cada día. Santoral'', 2003. |
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*''Para mejorar tu relación con María'', 2004. |
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*''Cómo interpretar y comunicar la Palabra de Dios. Métodos y recursos prácticos'', 2008. |
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*''Pablo apasionado. De Tarso hasta su plenitud'', 2008. |
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*''El Evangelio del Domingo 1. Comentario para meditar'', 2012. |
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*''El Evangelio del Domingo 2. Comentario para meditar'', 2012. |
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*''El Evangelio del Domingo 3. Comentario para meditar'', 2013. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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{{Authority control}} |
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* {{commonscat-inline}} |
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{{Wikiquote}} |
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* [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_fernandez_vm.html FERNÁNDEZ Card. Víctor Manuel]. [[Holy See Press Office]]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20231001030229/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_fernandez_vm.html Archived] from the original on 1 October 2023 |
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{{College of Cardinals}} |
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{{Portalbar|Argentina|Biography|Catholicism|Christianity|Italy}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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Latest revision as of 02:59, 31 July 2024
Víctor Manuel Fernández | |
---|---|
Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith | |
Fernández in 2013 | |
Church | Catholic Church |
Appointed | 1 July 2023 |
Predecessor | Luis Ladaria Ferrer |
Other post(s) | Cardinal-Deacon of Santi Urbano e Lorenzo a Prima Porta (2023-) |
Previous post(s) |
|
Orders | |
Ordination | 15 August 1986 by Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana |
Consecration | 15 June 2013 by Mario Aurelio Poli |
Created cardinal | 30 September 2023 by Pope Francis |
Rank | Cardinal Deacon |
Personal details | |
Born | Víctor Manuel Fernández 19 July 1962 |
Alma mater | |
Motto | En medio de tu pueblo ('Your servant is here among the people', 1 Kings 3:8–10) |
Coat of arms |
Styles of Víctor Manuel Fernández | |
---|---|
Reference style | His Eminence |
Spoken style | Your Eminence |
Informal style | Cardinal |
Víctor Manuel Fernández (born 18 July 1962) is an Argentine prelate of the Catholic Church and a theologian. He is currently the head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
He served as rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina from December 2009 to April 2018. He was named Archbishop of La Plata on 2 June 2018. On 1 July 2023, Pope Francis named Fernández prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith as of mid-September. Pope Francis made Fernández a cardinal on 30 September 2023.[1][2]
Life
[edit]Education and early career
[edit]He was born on 18 July 1962 in Alcira Gigena, in Córdoba Province. His father Emilio was a shopkeeper who supported Raúl Alfonsín, the radical political leader. Fernández entered the seminary in 1978.[2]
Theologian and educator
[edit]In the late 1990s, he followed the recommendation of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Bergoglio and declined an invitation to head a theological institute in Bogotá.[2]
He headed the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (CUA) when Cardinal Bergoglio nominated him to serve as its rector on 15 December 2009.[2] He took his oath of office on 20 May 2011,[3] when his designation received confirmation from the Congregation for Catholic Education, which had withheld its assent while Fernandez responded to objections to his appointment from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).[4] Bergoglio resented this questioning of his judgment and Fernández found the process itself disrespectful when he traveled to Rome only to have the CDF cancel a meeting at the last minute.[1] In July 2023, after his nomination as prefect, he stated the CDF "even investigated me"; he added that over the span of months he "clarified [his] true thinking [to the CDF] and everything was resolved serenely". Cardinal Gerhard Müller, who headed the CDF from 2012 to 2017, confirmed that the CDF had maintained a file on Fernández in the late 2000s due to concerns about his theology.[5]
Two months after Cardinal Bergoglio became Pope Francis, he named Fernández titular archbishop of Tiburnia on 13 May 2013,[6] and he received his episcopal consecration on 15 June 2013[7] in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires from the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Mario Poli, with the Archbishop of Santa Fe José María Arancedo, the bishop of Río Cuarto, Eduardo Martín, the bishop of Quilmes, Carlos Tissera, and the Archbishop of Corrientes, Andrés Stanovnik, as consecrators.[8] Fernández wore a pectoral cross Francis sent him from Rome.[9] He was the first rector of the University to be made an archbishop.[4] As Francis' first Argentine episcopal appointment, it was seen as a rebuke to the Roman Curia with which Francis as Archbishop of Buenos Aires had an occasionally antagonistic relationship, especially with the attempt of some in Rome to block Fernández' appointment as rector of UCA in 2011.[1]
Pope Francis named him to the commission that drafted the concluding message (relatio) of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, held in October 2014.[10]
Francis named him a member of the Fourteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2015[11] and appointed him to the drafting committee for the final report to be submitted to the synod participants for their votes.[12]
On 17 December 2016, he was named a consultor to the Congregation for Catholic Education.[13]
He ended his tenure as rector of the CUA on 25 April 2018,[14] after completing the maximum two terms in that post.[1]
Archbishop of La Plata
[edit]Following the election of Pope Francis, Fernandez was often mentioned as a candidate for an important post in the Roman Curia, such as head of the Congregation for Catholic Education or, more distantly, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.[15] Pope Francis named him Archbishop of La Plata on 2 June 2018 to succeed Héctor Rubén Aguer,[7] who had been in poor health for several years, had submitted his resignation as required on his 75th birthday just a week earlier, and was long identified as an opponent of Bergoglio within the Argentine Episcopal Conference.[1] Fernández said his program for the archdiocese would be "Evangelium gaudium, but seriously, not as a slogan", and that Francis has told him to look carefully at the archdiocesan seminary.[16] He was enthroned in his archdiocese on the following 16 June.[17]
Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
[edit]On 1 July 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to succeed Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrer as prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) in mid-September.[18] He became the first Argentine Francis has named to a senior position in the Roman Curia.[19]
A "highly unusual"[20] letter written in Spanish[21] from Pope Francis to Fernández was published alongside the announcement of his appointment. It defined his mission, saying: "The dicastery over which you will preside in other times came to use immoral methods. Those were times when, rather than promoting theological knowledge, possible doctrinal errors were pursued. What I expect from you is certainly something very different".[18] The letter told Fernández to encourage theology aimed at "increasing intelligence and the transmission of the faith at the service of evangelization", noting that his life's work showed he knew how to "put theological knowledge in dialogue with the life of the holy People of God". It directed his attention here rather than to the DDF's new responsibility for clerical discipline and cases of sexual abuse.[18][20][22]
In a letter to the faithful of his archdiocese, Fernández said he initially declined the appointment because he did not feel "qualified or trained" to lead the dicastery's section responsible for child abuse, and relented when assured that the specialists in that section were capable of working independently.[23]
In an interview after his appointment, Fernandez said he opposed same-sex blessings but stated that those that did not create confusion should be affirmed.[24]
On 9 July 2023, Pope Francis announced plans to make him a cardinal at a consistory scheduled for 30 September.[25] At that consistory he was created Cardinal-Deacon of Santi Urbano e Lorenzo a Prima Porta.[26]
On 18 December 2023 Pope Francis, approved a DDF ruling, allowing priests to bless unmarried and same-sex couples. The Declaration Fiducia supplicans will allow the blessing of same-sex couples but without any type of ritualization or offering the impression of a marriage.[27][28] This document sparked worldwide opposition, especially from Africa, with at least 25 Episcopal conferences, 46 cardinals and bishops and various organizations criticizing or voicing concerns about the document, including cardinals Müller, Sarah, Napier, Kutwa or Sturla.
On 8 April 2024, Pope Francis, approved the declaration, Dignitas Infinita, which condemned violations of human dignity, including, gender theory, as well as: abortion and discrimination against women.
Relationship with Pope Francis
[edit]His relationship with Pope Francis dates to his work for the Argentine Bishops' Conference where he demonstrated his ability to incorporate different viewpoints in drafting group statements. As head of the drafting committee for the Aparecida Conference of CELAM in 2007, Francis relied on Fernandez' skill.[4] The resistance on the part of Roman Curia to Francis' selection of Fernández as rector of UCA is thought to have solidified Francis' support and prompted his naming Fernández an archbishop and giving him important assignments as well.[1]
Trusted by Pope Francis, he is commonly recognized as a contributor to the exhortation Evangelii gaudium.[29] He wrote or "contributed in significant ways" to the encyclical Laudato Si'.[20][19]
Called Francis' "trusted theologian", he is said to have been the principal author of Amoris Laetitia, the apostolic exhortation issued by Francis in 2016 following the two sessions of the Synod of Bishops on the Family.[30] In his own extended defense of Amoris, Fernandez argued for greater latitude when deciding giving Communion to the divorced and remarried. He wrote that "one cannot maintain those [sexual] acts in each and every case are gravely dishonest in a subjective sense. In the complexity of particular situations is where, according to St. Thomas [Aquinas], 'the indetermination increases'".[4] He has also said that "in many issues I am far more progressive than the Pope".[4]
He has also been called Francis' "primary ghostwriter",[31] as well as his close collaborator.[32] Francis cited his essay "The Good Things of Living in This Time" in a talk to the clergy of Rome in February 2018.[33]
Works
[edit]His book Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing was published in 1995; it contains a theological analysis on the art of kissing. The book resurfaced in 2023 following Fernandez's appointment to the DDF; he defended it, denying that it contained heresy or heterodox teachings, but stated that he would not write it today and that its republishing had already been discontinued.[34]
In 1998 published in Mexico the book Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality that includes graphic descriptions of human sexual relations and discussion of what the Argentinian theologian describes as "mystical orgasm". It depicts in detail an imaginary erotic encounter with Jesus Christ on the shores of Galilee. The book's final section focuses on the human orgasm and its connection to divine intimacy. Fernández’s description of "an experience of love, a passionate encounter with Jesus, that a sixteen-year-old-teenager [girl] told me about", is in the book’s sixth chapter.[35] Fernandez later described the work as "a book of my youth that I certainly would not write now" and that "could be misinterpreted"; he argued that he dismissed it soon after his publishing and ordered it not to be re-printed and later wrote "more serious works" on mysticism.[36] Some clerical sex abuse survivors described themselves as "deeply troubled" by Fernandez's works,[37] while the John Paul II Academy for Human Life and Family urged Pope Francis to dismiss Fernandez from his post.[38]
In Il progetto di Francesco. Dove vuole portare la Chiesa (The Francis Project: Where He Wants to Take the Church), a book-length interview Fernandez gave to the journalist Paolo Rodari from the Italian daily La Repubblica, he describes the broad themes of Francis' papacy, the need to view moral issues in context rather than assert them as non-negotiable, to "set hearts on fire" rather than reiterate dated "philosophical or natural law-related" arguments. He said: "For example, it is no good opposing same-sex marriage because people tend to see us as a group of resentful, cruel, insensitive, over-the-top even, individuals. It is an entirely different thing to talk about the beauty of marriage and the harmony of differences that form part of an alliance between a man and woman. This positive context speaks for itself when it comes to showing that the use of the same term 'marriage' to describe same-sex unions, is unsuitable."[39]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Beltramo Álvarez, Andrés (2 June 2018). "Argentina: Víctor Fernández es nuevo arzobispo de La Plata". La Stampa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ a b c d De Vedia, Mariano (25 May 2014). "Víctor Fernández, el arzobispo en quien confía el Papa para seguir de cerca la política local". La Nación (in Spanish). Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ "Rector: Mons. Dr. Víctor Manuel Fernández". Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 30 September 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Bermudez, Alejandro (25 April 2018). "Analysis: Pope's personal theologian expected to lead major Argentine archdiocese". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Cardinal Müller Confirms Vatican Doctrinal Office Had File Warning About Archbishop Fernández". National Catholic Register. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ "Rinunce e Nomine, 13.05.2013" (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Resignations and Appointments, 02.06.2018" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "El rector de la UCA fue nombrado arzobispo y llevará una cruz del papa Francisco". La Nacion (in Spanish). 15 June 2013. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Fernández, con una cruz del Papa, fue ungido arzobispo". La Gaceta (in Spanish). 16 June 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Synod14 - Padri sinodali per la stesura della Relatio Synodi, 10.10.2014" (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Vatican Releases Full List of Synod Participants". Zenit. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ McElwee, Joshua J. (2 October 2015). "New process for Synod of Bishops aims at allowing more dialogue". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Rinunce e nomine, 17.12.2016" (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 17 December 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "La UCA tiene nuevo rector: se va Víctor Manuel Fernández, el amigo del Papa". Infobae (in Spanish). 23 April 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Mickens, Robert (27 October 2014). "Next on Pope Francis' agenda: Curia reform, personnel moves, a revamped synod". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Vidal, José M. (2 June 2018). "Víctor Manuel Fernández: "El programa es 'Evangelii gaudium', pero en serio, no como slogan"". Religión Digital (in Spanish). Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Chau Héctor Aguer, hola Víctor "Tucho" Fernández: asumió el nuevo Arzobispo de La Plata" (in Spanish). 0221 Argentina. 16 June 2018. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
- ^ a b c "Resignations and Appointments, 01.07.2023" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ a b O'Connell, Gerard (1 July 2023). "Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez as the new head of Vatican office for doctrine". America. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
- ^ a b c Allen, Elise Ann (1 July 2023). "Pope charges new doctrine czar to spurn 'immoral methods' in defense of the faith". Crux. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
- ^ "Lettera del Santo Padre al nuovo Prefetto del Dicastero per la Dottrina della Fede" (Press release) (in Spanish). Holy See Press Office. 1 July 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
- ^ Cardinale, Gianni (2 July 2023). "Dottrina della Fede, Fernández prefetto. Il Papa: dar ragione della speranza". L'Avvenire (in Italian). Retrieved 2 July 2023. L'Avvenire incorrectly says the pope's letter was dated a month earlier.
- ^ "Carta del Arzobispo a la Comunidad y Misa de despedida". Archdiocese of La Plata (in Spanish). 1 July 2023. Archived from the original on 4 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ "New DDF prefect addresses 'confusion' over same-sex blessings". The Pillar. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Le parole del Papa alla recita dell'Angelus, 09.07.2023" (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ "Assignation of Titles and Deaconries to the new Cardinals, 30.09.2023" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ "Doctrinal declaration opens possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations - Vatican News". www.vaticannews.va. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ Giuffrida, Angela (18 December 2023). "Vatican gives conditional approval to blessings for same-sex couples". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ Mickens, Robert (13 May 2015). "'The Pope Is Stronger than His Enemies'". Commonweal Magazine. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Cernuzio, Salvatore (26 March 2016). "From A to Z: On Francis' Anniversary, a Look at the Last 12 Months". Zenit. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Mickens, Robert (6 June 2016). "Francis is reforming Roman Curia by circumvention". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ del Guercio, Gelsomino (4 May 2015). "Papa Francisco ha abrazado la Teología del Pueblo, no de la Liberación". Aleteia (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Pope's Full Q & A With Rome's Clergy on February 15". Zenit. 20 February 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Calatrava, Almudena (17 July 2023). "'Heal Me with Your Mouth. The Art of Kissing.' An old book sparks a new controversy in the Vatican". Associated Press.
- ^ Liedl, Jonathan (8 January 2024). "Rediscovered Book by Cardinal Fernández Features Graphic Erotic Passages on 'Spirituality and Sensuality'". National Catholic Register.
- ^ McLellan, Justin (9 January 2024). "Cardinal Fernandez says his graphic book on sexuality not something he'd write today". America.
- ^ Christian, Gina (22 January 2024). "Abuse survivors deeply troubled by Cardinal Fernández's resurfaced book on sex and orgasms". America.
- ^ Foley, Ryan (25 January 2024). "Catholic group urges Pope to dismiss cardinal who wrote erotic story about Jesus". The Christian Post.
- ^ "Pope's theologian discusses the distortion of non-negotiable principles". La Stampa. 3 March 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
External links
[edit]Media related to Víctor Manuel Fernández at Wikimedia Commons
- FERNÁNDEZ Card. Víctor Manuel. Holy See Press Office. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023
- 1962 births
- Living people
- People from Córdoba Province, Argentina
- Pontifical Gregorian University alumni
- Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina alumni
- Academic staff of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina
- 21st-century Roman Catholic archbishops in Argentina
- Argentine Roman Catholic theologians
- Roman Catholic archbishops of La Plata in Argentina
- Bishops appointed by Pope Francis
- Officials of the Roman Curia
- Cardinals created by Pope Francis
- Argentine cardinals
- 21st-century cardinals