Cardinal Oscar Cantoni, Bishop of Como (Italy), was born in Lenno, in the province and diocese of Como, on 1 September 1950. After attending Classical High School at the Collegio Gallio in Como of the Somaschi Fathers and graduating from high school, he entered the Como Seminary to undertake courses in theology. Besides collaborating with spirituality magazines, in which he published articles on vocational topics, he published several books for young people.

On 28 June 1975, he received priestly ordination in Como, his home diocese.

Since priestly ordination, he has held the following positions and ministries: from 1995 to 1986 he was in charge of the promotion of vocationsin the seminary; collaborator in the parish of Santa Maria Regina in Como; chaplain to the Sisters at the Collegio Santa Chiara in Muggiò; and from 1986 to 1999, director of the Diocesan Vocations Centre and religious education teacher in secondary schools in Como; from 1990 to 2005, spiritual director of theologians in the diocesan seminary; preacher of Spiritual Exercises for priests and founder of the Ordo Virginum in the diocese. On 11 July 2000 he was appointed Prelate of Honour of His Holiness. From 2003 to 2005 he was episcopal vicar for the clergy of Como.

On 25 January 2005 he was elected to the episcopal see of Crema and on 5 March of the same year he received episcopal consecration.

On 4 October 2016, the Holy Father Francis appointed him bishop of the diocese of Como, Italy.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 27 August 2022, of the Title of S. Maria «Regina Pacis» a Monte Verde.

Member of:

• Dicastery for Bishops.