New archpriest for the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Vatican City - It is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome and was the favourite church of Pope Francis, who was also buried there: Now one cardinal is replacing another as archpriest of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Published on 04.07.2025 at 12:47 –

The Lithuanian Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas (53) is the new head of the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He succeeds the Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko (80), whom Pope Leo XIV thanked on Friday for his services as archpriest of the basilica. Makrickas had already been appointed coadjutor archpriest by Pope Francis at the beginning of 2024. This is usually accompanied by the right of succession. Previously, the Vatican diplomat was responsible for the economic affairs of the church as a special commissioner.

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome and is one of the so-called extraterritorial possessions of the Holy See. It is located in the city centre not far from Termini train station and was Pope Francis' favourite church in Rome. His tomb is located there next to the chapel with the important image of the Virgin Mary "Salus populi romani". (KNA)