Cardinal Angelo Amato, a renowned Salesian priest and former prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, passed away on 31 December 2024, at the age of 86. Pope Francis remembered him as a “faithful servant” who dedicated his life to the Gospel and the Church. In a telegram, the Pope praised Cardinal Amato’s “edifying testimony” and highlighted his “priestly spirit and theological preparation” which he demonstrated during his four decades of service to the Holy See.
Cardinal Amato played a crucial role in overseeing numerous important canonizations, including that of Mother Teresa. He served as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints from 2008 to 2018 and was created a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Born in Molfetta, Italy, on 8 June 1938, Cardinal Amato made his first religious profession in 1956 and was ordained a priest in 1967.
The Vatican announced that Cardinal Amato’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 2 at 2 p.m. at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter’s Basilica, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as principal celebrant. Pope Francis will preside over the final commendation and the farewell. In his message, the Pope said that Cardinal Amato remained faithful to his motto “Sufficit gratia mea” (my grace is sufficient) even in his final days marked by suffering, and abandoned himself to the goodness of the heavenly Father.