(ANS – Vatican) – On July 12, 2025, Fr. Mauro Mantovani officially began his role as the new Rector of the Salesian Community at the Holy See, where he had previously served as Vicar. The solemn ceremony was presided over by the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Fabio Attard, accompanied by his Vicar, Fr. Stefano Martoglio. Fr. Mauro Mantovani succeeds Fr. Stefano Vanoli, who led the community with dedication over the past year in a role of great responsibility and significance within the Salesian tradition.

During the installation ceremony, Fr. Fabio Attard emphasized the importance and depth of this moment for the community and the Congregation. In his message, he stated: “The appointment of a Rector, whether for a large or small community, is always a significant moment. In our Salesian tradition, the Rector represents the sign of unity; he is the father of the community. I believe that all of us, through our experiences, have witnessed how this role transforms relationships in a positive and heartfelt way.”

The Rector Major then invited the Salesians present to reflect on the significance of the Director’s mission, highlighting three key points:

Christocentrism – “Every Salesian community, whether large or small, has an extraordinary ability to influence the collective imagination. Our testimony is never irrelevant, even in the simplicity of daily life.” Relationship with Jesus – “Our work must be rooted in a deep relationship with Christ. Without this relationship, we risk turning our efforts into a mere quest for personal recognition. Our actions must stem from being grounded in Him.” Community as a Family – “Our communities are not just groups of experts or professionals; they must be families. This is what people, especially the young, seek in Salesians: the beauty of authentic and fraternal relationships.”

Concluding his message, the Rector Major urged Fr. Mauro and the entire community to be a place of humanity and fraternity, capable of sharing the Salesian charism in service to the Pope and the Church.

Taking on this responsibility, Fr. Mauro expressed his desire to continue to build on the profound significance and value of this community’s presence: “I will do my best to ensure that our community continues to be, in its own unique ways and through the tasks entrusted to us, a true bridge of fraternity and service between the Congregation and the Holy See.”

Born in Moncalieri (Turin) on January 3, 1966, Fr. Mauro Mantovani has been a Salesian since 1986 and a priest since 1994. He is a renowned philosopher and theologian, with an academic journey that led him to earn doctorates in Philosophy and Theology from prestigious Italian and international institutions.

Among his most significant roles, he served as Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical Salesian University (2015-2021), and since February 2023, he has been the Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library. He is also a member of important academic and scientific bodies of the Holy See.

With the appointment of Fr. Mauro Mantovani, the Salesian Community at the Holy See begins a new chapter in its mission. In the unique environment of the Holy See, where Salesians perform direct service to the Pope and the universal Church, the new Rector is called to strengthen the spirit of family and evangelical witness, central elements of the Salesian charism.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of prayer and the Rector Major’s invitation to the entire community to live their mission with passion and fidelity in service to the Church and the Pope. After the ceremony, the attendees gathered for a fraternal agape, marking the beginning of this new phase in the life of the community.