On Tuesday, 5 March 2024, the Holy See Press Office announced that the Holy Father Pope Francis has assigned to Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB, the Rector Major of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco, the titular See of Ursona, with archiepiscopal dignity, in view of his episcopal ordination scheduled for coming 20 April.
Ángel Fernández Artime, Don Bosco’s Tenth Successor at the head of the Salesian Congregation, was elected first time in 2014 and then re-confirmed in 2020. He was preconciliated Cardinal by Pope Francis after the Angelus on Sunday, 9 July 2023, and subsequently received the Cardinal’s biretta and ring in the Ordinary Public Consistory on 30 September 2023.
On Wednesday, 4 October 2023, he received his first assignment in the Roman Curia, being appointed a member of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (DIVCSVA).
On 17 December 2023, Card. Fernández Artime took possession of the diaconate of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Via Tuscolana, assigned to him by the same Pontiff.
According to the provisions for the Salesian Congregation established by the Holy Father, Card. Fernández Artime has already convoked the 29th General Chapter of the Congregation (which will take place from 16 February to 12 April 2025) at which his successor at the head of the Salesian Society will be elected. He will now conclude shortly, thus making himself available to the Holy Father for the mission that will be entrusted to him.