New Custos of the Holy Land appointed

May 20, 2016

With the approval of the Holy See, the Order of Friars Minor has appointed Father Francesco Patton as the new Custos of the Holy Land.

Father Patton, who hails from northern Italy and has served as secretary of the order’s general chapter, succeeds Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who has served as Custos since 2004.

The Custos serves as provincial superior of the Franciscans in the Middle East and is entrusted with the pastoral care of pilgrims to the Holy Land’s shrines.

 

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Further information:

• Comunicato della Sala Stampa: Nuovo Custode di Terra Santa (Holy See Press Office)