Oath of the Military Ordinary for Italy, H.E.R. Monsignor Gian Franco Saba

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.

Si è specializzato in Teologia e Scienze Patristiche a Roma, presso l’Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum, dove ha conseguito la Licenza e il Diploma in Teologia e Scienze Patristiche, con abilitazione alla docenza e alla ricerca. Successivamente, ha ottenuto il Dottorato con una tesi sul “Dialogo sul sacerdozio di San Giovanni Crisostomo”, approfondendo il processo culturale nel Tardoantico. Ha inoltre studiato relazioni internazionali e cooperazione per lo sviluppo presso l’Università per Stranieri di Perugia, e ha frequentato l’Institut de Science et de Théologie des Religions di Parigi, ottenendo il relativo diploma universitario.

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

Mons. Saba ha avuto una carriera accademica di rilievo. Nel 1996, è stato cooptato come docente della Pontificia Facoltà Teologica della Sardegna, dove ha ricoperto l’incarico di professore associato di Scienze Patristiche. Ha anche insegnato in vari Istituti Superiori di Scienze Religiose nelle Diocesi di Cagliari, Sassari e Tempio-Ampurias. Nel 2001, ha diretto l’Istituto di Scienze Religiose della Diocesi di Tempio-Ampurias, contribuendo alla sua trasformazione in Istituto Superiore di Scienze Religiose.

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.

Source: https://www.difesa.it/primopiano/alla-presenza-del-ministro-crosetto-il-giuramento-dellordinario-militare-per-litalia-s-e-r-mons-gian-franco-saba/70691.html

Source: https://www.ordinariatomilitare.it/biografia/