Cardinal Robert Sarah appointed Papal Envoy to France, as Cardinal Tagle receives new Titular Church

The Holy See Press Office has confirmed two key appointments by the Holy Father, Pope Leo, reflecting his ongoing efforts to strengthen the global Church’s presence in both evangelization and sacred celebrations.

In a significant development, His Eminence Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, has been appointed as the Pope’s special envoy to preside over liturgical celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the apparitions of Saint Anne to the Breton peasant Yvon Nicolazic.

The celebrations are scheduled for July 25 and 26, 2025, at the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in the Diocese of Vannes, France. The assignment underscores the continued esteem in which Cardinal Sarah is held for his deep liturgical insight and pastoral presence.

Meanwhile, His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches), has been assigned the Title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano. This elevation marks a new chapter in the cardinal’s service to the universal Church, reinforcing his central role in leading missionary outreach and engaging emerging Churches worldwide.

The appointments were announced days after Pope Leo officially assumed his papal office, following a solemn inaugural Mass that drew representatives from across the Catholic world.

In their new roles, Cardinals Sarah and Tagle are expected to bring spiritual depth, pastoral sensitivity, and global perspectives to the missions entrusted to them. These appointments also reflect Pope Leo’s intention to honour continuity while affirming trusted voices in evangelization and liturgical life.

Catholics around the world will be watching with prayerful support as the two cardinals take up their respective responsibilities in service of the Church’s mission.