Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, L.C., Tit-Archbishop of Villamagna di Proconsolare, President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, and President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, was born in Salamanca, Spain, on 1 March 1945. On 25 December 1965 he gave his religious vows in the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ and was ordained a priest on 26 November 1969.
He obtained a licentiate in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a diploma from the Archivist School at the Vatican Secret Archives.
On 1 August 1972, he began his service at the Holy See in the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; in April 1984, he was transferred to the Pontifical Council for the Laity; in June 2004, he was appointed head of office of the Holy See’s Internet Office; and finally, on 10 January 2008, he was appointed director of the Telecommunications Directorate of Vatican City State.
On 30 August 2013, he was appointed secretary general of the Governorate of Vatican City State, and on 15 October of the same year, he was elevated to the dignity of bishop and assigned the titular episcopal see of Villamagna in Proconsulari.
On 29 September 2020, he was appointed member of the Commission for Confidential Matters.
On 8 September 2021, the Holy Father appointed him president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, at the same time conferring to him the personal title of archbishop.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 27 August 2022, of the Deaconry of S. Maria della Mercede e Sant’Adriano a Villa Albani.
On 7 March 2023 the Holy Father Francis, having to renew the Council of Cardinals upon the expiry of the mandate of the preceding one, has appointed Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga as member of the new Council.
Member of:
- for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life;
- Council of cardinals;
- Commission for Confidential Matters.