The Salesian congregation has elected Maltese priest Fabio Attard as its new rector major, succeeding Spanish Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime. Attard, 66, will lead the Salesian family for the next six years.
Attard was elected during the Salesian general chapter in Turin, Italy, and was informed of his election by telephone. He accepted the role, thanking the brothers for their trust and trust in God.
Born in Gozo, Malta, Attard made his profession as a Salesian in 1980 and was ordained a priest in 1987. He has led several Salesian apostolates in Malta and founded the Institute for Pastoral Formation of the Archdiocese of Malta in 2005.
Attard has also participated in previous general chapters and has been a consultant to the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life since 2018. The Salesian congregation will now proceed to elect other members of the general council.