Oath of the Military Ordinary for Italy, H.E.R. Monsignor Gian Franco Saba
-
Condoralex
- 12 May 2025
- 0
- 4 min read
- Scarica PDF
Rome, 12 May 2025 - In the presence of the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, the solemn swearing-in ceremony of His Excellency Most Reverend Monsignor Gian Franco Saba, appointed by Pope Francis as the new Military Ordinary for Italy, was held today at the Library of the Army Palace in Rome. This event marks an important moment for the Church and for Italy, with Monsignor Saba called to spiritually and morally support the Italian Armed Forces.
The Formation of Bishop Gian Franco Saba
Bishop Gian Franco Saba was born in Olbia (Sassari) on 20 September 1968. His training began at the Episcopal Seminary of the Diocese of Tempio-Ampurias, where he graduated from the 'G.M. Dettori' High School in Tempio Pausania. He then continued his philosophical and theological studies at the Pontifical Umbrian Regional Seminary in Assisi and the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia in Cagliari, where he obtained a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology.
He specialised in Theology and Patristic Sciences in Rome, at the Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum, where he obtained a Licentiate and Diploma in Theology and Patristic Sciences, with teaching and research qualifications. Subsequently, he obtained his doctorate with a thesis on the 'Dialogue on the Priesthood of St. John Chrysostom', delving into the cultural process in Late Antiquity. He also studied International Relations and Cooperation for Development at the University for Foreigners in Perugia, and attended the Institut de Science et de Théologie des Religions in Paris, obtaining the relevant university diploma.
Presbyteral and Episcopal Ministry
Bishop Saba was ordained a priest on 23 October 1993. His first pastoral assignments were in the field of education and vocations in the Diocese of Tempio-Ampurias, where he held various positions, including Diocesan Youth Assistant of Catholic Action and Director of the Diocesan Youth Council. From 1995 to 2010, he was rector of the Episcopal Seminary of the Diocese of Tempio-Ampurias, and later, from 2010 to 2015, rector of the Pontifical Regional Seminary of Sardinia.
In 2011, he was appointed Chaplain to His Holiness, and in 2016, he took over as parish priest of the parish of Sant'Antonio Abate in Sant'Antonio di Gallura, which he held until his appointment as Archbishop of Sassari in 2017. On 13 September 2017, he was ordained bishop, and on 21 October 2018, he received the Pallium, the symbol of his episcopal mission.
Academic Activity and Cultural Engagement
Bishop Saba has had a distinguished academic career. In 1996, he was co-opted as a lecturer at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia, where he held the position of Associate Professor of Patristic Sciences. He has also taught at various Higher Institutes of Religious Sciences in the Dioceses of Cagliari, Sassari and Tempio-Ampurias. In 2001, he directed the Institute of Religious Sciences of the Diocese of Tempio-Ampurias, contributing to its transformation into the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences.
Bishop Saba founded and directed the Euro-Mediterranean Institute - International School of Training, Specialisation and Research, which he headed until 2012. He was also editor of the scientific journal Mneme-Ammentos and the study series Library of Studies and Documents of the Euro-Mediterranean Institute-ISSR. He has organised numerous conferences and symposia of regional, national and international interest, collaborating with leading academic institutions.
In 2018, following his entry as Metropolitan Archbishop of Sassari, he established the Foundation Accademia Casa di Popoli, Culture e Religioni - Nuovo Umanesimo dell'Incontro, with the aim of promoting intercultural and interreligious encounters. The Foundation created the educational project 'Together for a humanism of education without borders', in line with Pope Francis' call for a Church with open doors.
Social and Public Engagement
In addition to his pastoral and academic activities, Bishop Saba has always had a strong commitment to the field of communication. Since 1994, he has been on the list of publicists of the Order of Journalists of Sardinia, and is the author of numerous scientific publications and articles.
With the appointment of Bishop Gian Franco Saba as Military Ordinary for Italy, the Italian Armed Forces are enriched with a spiritual guide of great training and culture. His academic experience and pastoral commitment make him a reference figure for the entire military community, combining faith and professionalism to accompany the Armed Forces on a path of spiritual and moral growth.
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
Oath of the Military Ordinary for Italy, H.E.R. Monsignor Gian Franco Saba - brigadefolgore.net
