Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, S.D.B., Born December 29, 1942, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Joined the Pious Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians of Don Bosco), May 3, 1961; Institute "Don Rua", San Salvador, El Salvador (doctorate in philosophy); Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum, Rome (doctorate in theology); Alphonsian Academy of Moral Theology (incorporated into the faculty of the Pontifical Lateran University in 1960), Rome (doctorate in moral theology); University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria (diploma in clinical psychology and psychotherapy); Conservatory of San Salvador, El Salvador (piano); studied harmony and musical composition in Guatemala and Newton, N.J., United States. Ordained priest, June 28, 1970, Guatemala. Professor of sacred music for 13 years; professor of chemistry, Salesian school "Don Bosco", Guatemala, 1971-1972; professor of moral theology and ecclesiology, Salesian Theological Institute, Guatemala, 1971-1975; secretary of the Theological Faculty of the University "Francisco Marroquín", Guatemala, 1974-1976; rector of the Salesian Philosophical Institute, Guatemala, 1975-1978. Elected titular bishop of Pudenziana and appointed auxiliary of Tegucigalpa, October 28, 1978. Consecrated, December 8, 1978, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, 1981-1984. Attended VI Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 29 - October 28, 1983; VII Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1 - 30, 1987; by papal appointment. Attended VIII Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30 - October 28, 1990; by papal appointment. Attended IV General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 12 - 28, 1992. Promoted to metropolitan see of Tegucigalpa, January 8, 1993. Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of San Pedro Sula, 1993-1995. Secretary general of the Episcopal Council of Latin America (CELAM), 1987-1991; president, 1995-1999. Attended IX Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 - 29, 1994. President of the Episcopal Conference of Honduras, 1997-2003. Attended Special Assembly for America of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16 - December 12, 1997; president of the commission for information. Created cardinal priest, February 21, 2001; received the red biretta and the title of S. Maria della Speranza, February 21, 2001.

Norberto Rivera Carrera, born June 6, 1942, La Purísima,Tepehuanes, archdiocese of Durango, México. Son of Ramsn Rivera Cháidez and Soledad Carrera. He has a sister who is a nun. Conciliar Seminary of Durango, Durango; Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (licentiate in theology). Ordained priest, July 3, 1966, Rome by Paul VI. From 1967 to 1985, in Durango, pastoral work in Río Grande, Zacatecas; faculty member, Seminary of Durango for 18 years and prefect of discipline; founder and ecclesiastical assistant of movement "Jornadas de Vida Cristiana"; diocesan assistant of "Movimiento Familiar Cristiano" and of Youth Catholic Action; member and coordinator of presbyteral council; secretary of archdiocesan pastoral commission; director of social communications; cathedral canon lector; faculty member, Pontifical Mexican University, México City, 1982-1985; executive secretary of pastoral care for the family, Episcopal Commission for Lay Apostolate, 1983-1985. Elected bishop of Tehuacán, November 5, 1985. Consecrated, December 21, 1985, Tehuacán, by Antonio López Aviña, archbishop of Durango. Apostolic visitor for the diocesan and religious seminaries of Mexico. Promoted to the metropolitan and primatial see of México, June 13, 1995. Attended the Special Assembly for America of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16-December 12, 1997. Created cardinal priest, February 21, 1998; received the red biretta and the title of S. Francesco d'Assisi a Ripa Grande, February 21, 1998. Attended the X Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30-October 27, 2001.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., born December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Obtained the diploma of technician in chemistry. Entered Seminary of Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires. Joined the Society of Jesus, March 11, 1958. Novitiate in Chile (Humanities); Colegio Máximo San José, San Miguel, Buenos Aires (licentiate in philosophy); professor of literature and psychology in Colegio de la Inmaculada, Santa Fe, and in Colegio del Salvador, Buenos Aires; Colegio Máximo de San Miguel, (theology). Ordained, December 13, 1969. Further studies, 1969-1971; third probation, Alcalá de Henares, Spain, 1971-1972; took the final vows, April 22, 1973. Master of novices, Villa Barilari, San Miguel, 1972-1973; professor in the Theological Faculty; consultor of the Jesuit province and rector of the Colegio Máximo. Elected provincial of Argentina, July 31, 1973. Spent some time in Germany. On his return, assigned to Colegio del Salvador, Córdoba and then, spiritual director and confessor, Jesuit Church, Córdoba. Rector of Colegio Máximo de San Miguel and of its Philosophical and Theological Faculties, 1980-1986. Elected titular bishop of Auca and appointed auxiliary of Buenos Aires, May 20, 1992. Consecrated, June 27, 1992, Buenos Aires. Attended the IX Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 29, 1994. Promoted to archbishop coadjutor of Buenos Aires, June 3, 1997. Attended the Special Assembly for America of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16 to December 12, 1997. Succeeded to the metropolitan see of Buenos Aires, February 28, 1998. Ordinary for the faithful of the Oriental rite in Argentina without an ordinary for their own rite, November 30, 1998. Grand chancellor of the Catholic University of Argentina. Second vice-president of the Episcopal Conference of Argentina. Created cardinal priest, February 21, 2001; received the red biretta and the title of S. Roberto Bellarmino, February 21, 2001. Attended the X Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30 to October 27, 2001; relator general adjunct.

Cláudio Hummes, O.F.M., born August 8, 1934, Montenegro, archdiocese of Porto Alegre, Brazil. His family originated in Germany. Joined the Order of the Friars Minor (Franciscans); Seminary Seráfico São Francisco, Taquari; Convent São Boaventura, Daltro Filho, Garibaldi (philosophy); Convent of Divinópolis, Divinópolis (theology); Pontifical Antonian Athenaeum, Rome (doctorate in philosophy; thesis: Renovação das provas tradicionais da existência de Deus por Maurice Blondel em l'Action [1893]); Institut Oecuménique, Bossey, Geneva, Switzerland (specialization in Ecumenism). Ordained priest, August 3, 1958, Divinópolis. Further studies, Rome, 1959-1963. Further studies, Geneva, Switzerland, 1968. Professor of philosophy, Franciscan Seminary of Garibaldi and pastoral work in a parish, 1963-1968; concurrently, consultor for ecumenismo of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, 1965-1968. Further studies, Geneva, Switzerlan, 1968. From 1969 to 1972, professor and rectore of the faculty of Philosophy of Viamão (RS), and professor of philosophy in the Pontifical Catholic University of Porto Alegre and counselor to the Franciscan students of philosophy. Provincial superior of the Franciscans of Rio Grande do Sul, in Porto Alegre, 1972-1975. Elected titular bishop of Carcabia and appointed coadjutor with right of succession of Santo André, March 22, 1975. Consecrated, May 25, 1975, Porto Alegre. Succeeded to the see of Santo André, December 29, 1975. Attended the V Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 26 to October 25, 1980. Attended the IV General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 12 to 28, 1992. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Fortaleza, May 29, 1996. Attended the Special Assembly for America of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16 to December 12, 1997. Transferred to the metropolitan see of São Paulo, April 15, 1998. Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. Created cardinal priest, February 21, 2001; received the red biretta and the title of S. Antonio da Padova in Via Merulana, February 21, 2001. Attended X Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30 to October 27, 2001. Preached Lenten spiritual exercises at the Vatican for the pope and the Roman Curia, February 18 to 23, 2002.

Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez, born October 31, 1936, Barrancas, archdiocese of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Pontifical Seminary "Santo Tomás de Aquino", Santo Domingo; International Center for Sociological Formation of Clergy, Rome; Pontifical St. Thomas University, Rome (doctorate in social sciences); Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. Ordained priest, March 18, 1961, La Vega. Pastoral work in diocese of La Vega, 1961-1964. Further studies, Rome, 1964-1966. Pastoral work in diocese of La Vega, 1966-1968. Further studies, Rome, 1968-1969. In diocese of La Vega, 1969-1978, diocesan counselor for pastoral of family and youth; ecclesiastical assessor of Christian Family Movement and of Cursillo Movemnet; diocesan vicar for pastoral; pro-vicar general; vicar general. Elected bishop of San Francisco de Macorís, January 16, 1978. Consecrated, February 25, 1978. Rector of University of San Francisco de Macorís, 1979-1984. Promoted to metropolitan and primatial see of Santo Domingo, November 15, 1981. Grand chancellor of Catholic University of Santo Domingo. Military ordinary for the Dominican Republic, April 4, 1982. Attended VI Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 29 - October 28, 1983; II Extraordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 24 - December 8, 1985. President of Latin American Episcopal Council, April 25, 1991. Created cardinal priest, June 28, 1991; received the red biretta and the title of S. Pio X alla Balduina, June 28, 1991. Attended Special Assembly of World Synod of Bishops for Europe, Vatican City, November 28 - December 14, 1991; IV General Conference of Latin American Episcopate, Santo Domingo, October 12-28, 1992; president-delegate. Papal legate to 45th International Eucharistic Congress, Seville, Spain, June 7-13, 1993. Special papal envoy to 4th National Marian Congress, Loja, Ecuador, August 20-25, 1994. Attended Special Assembly of World Synod of Bishops for Africa, Vatican City, April 10 - May 8, 1994; IX Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2-29, 1994. Attended Special Assembly for America of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16-December 12, 1997. Special papal envoy to the conclusive celebrations of the National Eucharistic Congress of Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento, October 15, 2000. Special papal envoy to the celebration of the 5th centennial of the first mass celebrated in Honduras, Bahía de Trujillo, August 14, 2002.

Dionigi Tettamanzi, born March 14, 1934, Renate, archdiocese of Milan, Italy. Minor Seminary of Seveso, Milan; Seminary of Venegono Inferiore, (licentiateship in theology); Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (doctorate in theology). Ordained, June 28, 1957, Milan. Further studies in Rome, 1957-1960. Successively, in Milan: pastoral work; faculty member, Minor Seminary of Masnago and of Seveso San Pietro, 1960-1966. Faculty member, Seminary of Venegono, 1966-1986; faculty member, Lombard Pastoral Institute; member, Scientific Committe of International Center of Studies on the Family; judge of Regional Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Lombardy; ecclesiastical assistant of Catholic Physicians Association; ecclesiastical consultant of National Federation of Catholic Family Counselors; chaplain in Turate for more than 15 years. Attended V Ordinary Assembly fo World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 26-October 25, 1980; expert. Attended VII Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1-30, 1987; assistant to special secretary. Rector of Pontifical Lombardian Seminary, September 11,1987-1989. President of Administrative Council of Catholic newspaper Avvenire, April 28, 1989. Elected archbishop of Ancona-Osimo, July 1, 1989. Consecrated, September 23, 1989, Milan. Secretary general of Italian Episcopal Conference, ad quinquenium, March 14, 1991. Resigned pastoral government of archdiocese, April 6, 1991. Attended Special Assembly of World Synod of Bishops for Europe, Vatican City, November 28-December 14, 1991; IX Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2-29, 1994. Transferred to metropolitan see of Genoa, April 20, 1995. Vice-president of Italian Episcopal Conference, May 25, 1995. Created cardinal priest, February 21, 1998; received the red biretta and the title of SS. Ambrogio e Carlo, February 21, 1998. Attended II Special Assembly for Europe of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1-23, 1999; president of commission for the message. Member of Council of Cardinals for Study of Organizational and Economic Problems of Holy See, March 6, 2000. Attended X Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30-October 27, 2001. Transferred to metropolitan see of Milan, July 11, 2002.

Camillo Ruini, born February 19, 1931, Sassuolo, diocese of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Seminary of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (doctorate in theology). Ordained, December 8, 1954, Rome. Further studies, Rome, 1954-1957. Faculty member, Seminary of Reggio Emilia, 1957-1968. Faculty member, Interdiocesan Theological Seminary of Modena-Reggio Emilia, 1968-1986; director, 1968-1977. Faculty member, Academic Theological Seminary of Bologna, 1977-1983. In diocese of Reggio Emilia, diocesan assessor of Catholic physicians; episcopal delegate for Catholic Action; episcopal vicar for lay apostolate; president of Cultural Diocesan Center John XXIII; president of diocesan consult for school pastoral, 1975-1986. Elected titular bishop of Nepte and appointed auxiliary of Reggio Emilia, May 16, 1983. Consecrated, June 29, 1983, Reggio Emilia. Secretary general of Episcopal Conference of Italy, June 28, 1986. Attended VIII Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30-October 28, 1990; member of general secretariat, 1990-1994. Promoted to archbishop and appointed pro-vicar general of Rome and pro-archpriest of patriarchal Lateran archbasilica, January 17, 1991. President of Italian Episcopal Conference, 1991- . Created cardinal priest, June 28, 1991; received the red biretta and the title of S. Agnese fuori le Mura, June 28, 1991. Vicar general of Rome, archpriest of patriarchal Lateran archbasilica, and grand chancellor of Pontifical Lateran University, July 1, 1991. Member of Council of Cardinals for Study of Organizational and Economic Problems of Holy See, July 15, 1991. Attended Special Assembly of World Synod of Bishops for Europe, Vatican City, November 28-December 14, 1991. President of Peregrinatio ad Petri Sedem, December 29, 1992. Attended IX Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2-29, 1994. Special papal envoy to opening of celebrations of 4th centenary of shrine of Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, Reggio Emilia, Italy, April 29, 1996. Resigned presidency, May 2, 1996. Papal legate to 23rd National Eucharistic Congress, Bologna, September 20-28, 1997. Attended II Special Assembly for Europe of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1-23, 1999. Special papal envoy to the conclusive celebrations of the synod of the dioceses of Belarus, Minsk, September 29-30, 2000. Papal legate for the closing of the Holy Door at the Lateran basilica, January 5, 2001. Confirmed by the Pope as president of the Italian Episcopal Conference for another quinquennial term, March 6, 2001. Attended X Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30-October 27, 2001.

Carlo Maria Martini, S.J., born February 15, 1927, Turin, Italy. Joined Society of Jesus, September 25, 1944. Jesuit Novitiate, Cuneo; Faculty of Philosophy Aloisianum, Gallarate, Milan; Theological Faculty, Chieri, Turin; Pontifical Gregorain University, Rome (doctorate in fundamental theology; thesis: "Il problema storico della Risurrezione negli studi recenti"); Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome. Ordained, July 13, 1952, Chieri (Torino). Further studies, Rome, 1954-1958. Faculty member, Theological Faculty, Chieri; took final vows, February 2, 1962. Further studies, Rome, 1962-1964. Pastoral work in Rome. Faculty member, dean, and on September 29, 1969, rector of Pontifical Biblical Institute. Rector of Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, July 18, 1978. Only Catholic member of Ecumenical Committee for preparation of Greek edition of New Testament. Director of 1978 Lent spiritual exercises in the Vatican by invitation of Pope Paul VI. Elected archbishop of Milan, December 29, 1979. Consecrated, January 6, 1980, Vatican City, by John Paul II. Member of the general secretariat of the World Synod of Bishops, by papal appointment, 1980-1983. Created cardinal priest, February 2, 1983; received red biretta and title of S. Cecilia, February 2, 1983. Attended VI Ordinary Assembly of world Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 29-October 28, 1983; relator; member of general secretariat, 1983-1986; membership extended until 1987 in II Extraordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 24-December 8, 1985. President of the Council of the European Catholic Episcopal Conferences, 1987-1993. Attended VII Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1-30, 1987; member of general secretariat, 1987-1990. Received doctorate honoris causa from the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome, January 17, 1989. Special papal envoy to celebration of first centennial of evangelization of Zambia, August 29-September 2, 1991. Attended Special Assembly of World Synod of Bishops for Europe, Vatican City, November 28-December 14, 1991; IV General Conference of Latin American Episcopate, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 12-28, 1992; IX Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2-29, 1994; member of general secretariat, 1994-1998. Attended II Special Assembly for Europe of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1-23, 1999. Awarded the prize "Príncipe de Asturias" in the Social Sciences, Oviedo, Spain, October 27, 2000. Named by the Pope honorary member of the Pontifical Academy of Science, November 23, 2000. Attended X Ordinary Assembly of World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30-October 27, 2001. Special papal envoy to the celebration of the IX centennial of the death of St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusians, October 6, 2001, Serra San Bruno, Italy. Resigned pastoral government of the archdiocese, July 11, 2002.