An Argentine priest has been appointed as the new personal secretary of Pope Francis, according to a statement from Archbishop Jorge García Cueva of Buenos Aires (Argentina).

The priest, Fr. Daniel Pellizzon, 40 years old, will be taking over the role from Fr. Gonzalo Aemilius.

Archbishop García Cuerva revealed that the Holy Father's new personal secretary will be traveling to Rome in early August to assume his responsibilities. He also offered prayers for the priest as he embarks on "this new mission entrusted to the service of the Church."

Fr. Daniel Pellizzon was born on January 24, 1983, in Buenos Aires.

During 2011 and 2012, he collaborated with the then-Archbishop, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, in organizing his personal archive. Fr. Pellizzon was ordained as a priest on November 3, 2018.

He began his ministry as a deacon and assistant pastor, providing support to pilgrims at the Sanctuary of San Cayetano in the Liniers neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

In March 2023, he was assigned as an assistant pastor at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, where he has been serving until now. The announcement of his appointment as Pope Francis's personal secretary was made in Buenos Aires on Monday, July 17, 2023.

This article was originally published on ACI Prensa.