On August 28, 2022, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga presided over a Eucharistic celebration at the International College of the Legionaries of Christ, in Rome, to give thanks to God for the distinction bestowed upon him by Pope Francis when he made him a cardinal during the public Consistory on August 27.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to the religious congregation to which I belong, the Legionaries of Christ, to their superiors, as well as to the entire Regnum Christi family. Particularly to our general director, Father John Connor, LC, for his closeness and his prayers for my service to the Church,” commented Cardinal Fernando Vérgez.

After the Mass, a reception was held for his family members, for the cardinals and bishops present in Rome, with whom Cardinal Fernando has collaborated at various moments of his ecclesial service. The communities of the Legionaries of Christ, the consecrated members of Regnum Christi, and the lay members of Regnum Christi in Rome were also present.

“For me, the successor of Peter is not only a point of reference for my service in the Roman Curia but also spiritually. Having worked during a period of five papacies has been a reason for my growth in faith. And also a reason for gratitude because I have had the grace to live in a fruitful moment of the Church’s history, and to be with some popes canonized by the Church […] my full availability and filial obedience to Pope Francis, who wanted to create me a cardinal, without any merit on my part. I am moved by such kindness,” adds Cardinal Fernando.

Cardinal Fernando Vérgez has been a priest since 1969. In 1972, he moved to the Roman Curia, where he has carried out his ministerial duties to this day. In 2021, Pope Francis conferred upon him the personal title of Archbishop and he was created a cardinal during the public consistory on August 27, 2022.