On October 5, 2019, Archbishop of Bologna Matteo Zuppi received his cardinal’s red hat, concluding the day with a Mass held in the square before the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. This central Rome neighborhood holds deep significance for him, having shaped his path as a teenager and later as a priest.
During his homily that evening, the 69-year-old cardinal reflected, “Life itself is composed of many fragments that have shaped who we are and remain within us. Today, I see—and believe we all do—the joy found in unity, standing together as part of our shared existence, in stark contrast to individualism.”
Those gathered were well acquainted with Zuppi’s longstanding commitment to service, recalling his early volunteer work with the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic organization renowned for its dedication to assisting the poor, fostering interfaith dialogue, and mediating international disputes.
Following his ordination, Zuppi served as a vicar at the basilica and emerged as a spiritual leader within the Community of Sant’Egidio, which continues to hold prayers at Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Now, Cardinal Zuppi is frequently named among those considered possible successors to the papacy. Throughout his priesthood and episcopacy, he has embraced a pastoral style aligned with Pope Francis’s vision and is expected to uphold this approach were he to be elected.
Locally, many Romans affectionately refer to Cardinal Zuppi as “Don Matteo,” after the popular Italian television series featuring a crime-solving priest.
