Archbishop Gian Franco Saba New Military Ordinary for Italy

Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Gian Franco Saba, currently Metropolitan Archbishop of Sassari, as the new Military Ordinary for Italy. The Holy Father has decided to transfer him from his diocese of Sassari to take on a role of great spiritual and pastoral importance, at a time when the Church is reflecting on its role in complex situations that are often far from traditional ecclesial structures. Msgr. Saba, who will turn 57 on September 20, replaces Msgr. Santo Marcianò, who held the role for 12 years.

Education and Career

Mons. Gian Franco Saba was born in Olbia on September 20, 1968. After attending the Diocesan Seminary of Tempio–Ampurias, he continued his theological studies at the Pontifical Umbrian Regional Seminary in Assisi and at the Theological Institute of the Pontifical Lateran University. He subsequently obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Theology at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia and a Doctorate in Theology and Patristic Sciences at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome. He also deepened his knowledge with a course on “Communication Systems in International Relations” at the University for Foreigners of Perugia.

Ordained a priest on October 23, 1993, incardinated in the Diocese of Tempio–Ampurias, Mons. Saba has held numerous positions, including that of Diocesan Assistant of the Youth of Catholic Action, Director of the Diocesan Institute of Religious Sciences, Rector of the Pontifical Sardinian Regional Seminary of Cagliari and Parish Priest of San Antonio Abate in San Antonio di Gallura. On June 27, 2017, he was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Sassari, receiving episcopal consecration on September 13 of the same year.

Message from Mons. Saba to the Church Military Ordinariate

In his greeting to the Military Ordinariate Church, Msgr. Saba thanked his predecessor Msgr. Marcianò for his long service and addressed a thought of gratitude to the military chaplains, who work in complex contexts and far from the ordinary life of the parishes. He underlined the importance of being a living and tangible presence for those who serve with fidelity and sacrifice.

A special mention was made of the young people, the suffering, and the families of the military, expressing his appreciation for their commitment and sacrifice. Monsignor Saba also referred to his episcopal motto taken from St. Augustine: “Dilectione amplectere Deum” (Embrace God with love), and proposed three key words for the pastoral journey that awaits him: field, tent e I walk.

The Camp, the Tent and the Walk

According to Msgr. Saba, the Military Ordinariate Church for Italy embodies an itinerant faith, which moves together with the men and women it serves. field represents the place of work, of waiting and of discernment, but also of meeting and of spiritual battle. The tent symbolizes the presence of God among his people, a closeness that accompanies without ever imposing itself. Finally, the I walk It represents the continuous pilgrimage towards a homeland that, although not yet visible, is already in the heart of every believer.

Mons. Saba ha concluso il suo messaggio affermando che la Chiesa deve essere una presenza di ascolto e dialogo con tutti, senza pregiudizi e senza chiusure. Seguendo l’esempio di Papa Francesco, l’arcivescovo si impegna a rendere la Chiesa una “tenda di Dio”, capace di accogliere, ascoltare e accompagnare tutti lungo il cammino della vita, disarmando pensieri, parole e gesti negativi, per essere una presenza di pace e di speranza in un mondo bisognoso di giustizia e solidarietà.

A New Beginning for the Church Military Ordinariate

Il nuovo incarico di Mons. Saba rappresenta una nuova fase per la Chiesa Ordinariato Militare per l’Italia, un servizio che si distingue per la sua vicinanza ai militari e alle loro famiglie. In un periodo in cui il mondo affronta sfide sempre più complesse, l’arcivescovo Saba è pronto a continuare il lavoro del suo predecessore, portando avanti una missione di amore, solidarietà e speranza, nel solco della tradizione cristiana e del magistero di Papa Francesco.

Source: https://www.agensir.it/quotidiano/2025/4/10/ordinariato-militare-il-saluto-del-nuovo-arcivescovo-mons-saba-essere-una-presenza-di-ascolto-che-disarma-pensieri-parole-e-gesti-per-non-cadere-nel-mito-della-forza/