Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, S.D.B., Rector Major of the Salesians, was born on 21 August 1960 in Gozón-Luanco, Asturias, Spain. He gave his first vows on 3 September 1978 and his perpetual vows on 17 June 1984 in Santiago de Compostela, and was ordained a priest on 4 July 1987, in León.

Originally from the province of León, he was awarded a licentiate in pastoral theology and in philosophy and pedagogy.

He served as provincial delegate for youth ministry, director of the school in Ourense, provincial counsellor and vicar and, from 2000 to 2006, Provincial.

After participating in the technical commission that prepared the 26th General Chapter, in 2009 he was appointed Superior of the Province of South Argentina, based in Buenos Aires. On 23 December 2013 he was appointed Superior of the new Province of Mediterranean Spain, dedicated to “Mary Help of Christians”, but before being able to take up this new service, on 25 March 2014, he was elected by the 27th General Chapter as the new Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation and 10th Successor of Don Bosco.

On 11 March 2020, he was confirmed as Rector Major of the Salesians, for a second six-year term 2020-2026.

On 5 March 2024 the Holy Father has assigned to Cardinal Fernández Artime the titular see of Ursona, with the dignity of archbishop, in view of his episcopal ordination, to take place on 20 April.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 30 September 2023, of the Deaconry of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Via Tuscolana.

Member of:

• Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.