New Bishop in the Latin Patriarchate

We congratulate fr. Bruno and wish him many blessings.

Here is a short CV of the bishop nominate:

• 25.09.1971: Born in Sao Paulo (Brazil). Italian citizen, registry office of Campobasso (CB).
• 18.03.1997: Diaconal ordination
• 30.08.1997: Presbyteral ordination
• 1997: Bachelor's degree in Sacred Theology from the pontifical Latern University (Rome)
• Since 1999: Guide of the pilgrims of the Holy Land.
• 2002: Diploma in Biblical Formation from Studium Biblicum Franciscanum (Jerusalem), from the Faculty of Biblical Sciences and Archaeology
• 2004: Obtained his Licentiate in “Sacred Theology with specialization in spirituality” from the Pontifical University Antonianum (Rome)
• 2004: Custodial vocation animator and master of aspirants
• Since 2004: Member of the formation and studies council of the Custody of the Holy Land.
• 2007-2010: Guardian of the friary San Fortunato in Montefalco (PG).
• 2009: Obtained degree in “Psychology with Clinical Specialization” from the Pontifical Salesian University (Rome)
• Earned Master’s degree in “Graphological Counseling”, from the Faculty of Psyschology at the University of Lumsa (Rome)
• Achieved specialization in Psychotraumatology and Emergency Psychology, from Lumsa University, and the Sacred Heart Catholic University in Rome, at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic.
• 06/16/2011: State examination at the University la Sapienza of Rome, in the faculty of Medicine and Psychology
• Did a Scientific Research, Doctoral Research, in the Development of psycho-diagnostic tools at the Institute of Psychology of the Salesian Pontifical University of Rome, under the guidance of Prof. Michele Pellerey, SDB.
• Appointed professor at STJ in Jerusalem since Acc. year 2011/2012 (Professor of General Psychology, Pedagogy, Developmental Psychology, Sociology and Spiritual Theology.
• 2013 – 2022: Guardian and Rector of the Basilica of the Annunciation – Nazareth.
• July 2016 – Jully 2022: Discretorium of the Custody of the Holy Land.
• 11.08.2022: Elected Patriarchal Vicar for Cyprus
•  08.12.2022: Officially appointed as Patriarchal Vicar for Cyprus.

Here is the message of the Latin Patriarch, HE Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

 Dear brothers and sisters,

May the Lord give you peace!

With gratitude and joy, I announce to you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Father Bruno Varriano as Auxiliary Bishop for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Strengthened by the fullness of priestly ministry, the Bishop-elect will continue in his mission as Patriarchal Vicar for the island of Cyprus.

Father Bruno has exercised priestly ministry for many years here, in the Middle East and has now been called, from the very heart of the Mother Church, to be a Successor of the Apostles with the mandate to teach, govern and sanctify the People of God.

Dear brothers and sisters, earthly Jerusalem and heavenly Jerusalem unite in prayer and celebration for this brother of ours elevated to episcopal dignity. On behalf of the entire Latin Patriarchate, I wish the Bishop-elect well and, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Panaghia Kikotyssa, I invoke upon him the blessing of Almighty God.

Given in our Patriarchate on January 9th 2024, in the memory of Saint Marcelinus.

† Pierbattista Card. Pizzaballa

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

Here is the official notice from the Vatican:

Appointment of auxiliary bishop of the Patriarchal diocese of Jerusalem of the Latins

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Bruno Varriano, O.F.M., patriarchal vicar for Cyprus, as auxiliary bishop of the Patriarchal diocese of Jerusalem of the Latins, assigning him the titular see of Astigi.

Curriculum vitae

Msgr. Bruno Varriano, O.F.M., was born in Anápolis, Brazil, and was ordained a priest for the archdiocese of Campobasso, Italy, on 30 August 1997. He entered the Custody of the Holy Land of the Franciscan Friars Minor, and gave his religious vows on 5 October 2003.

He was awarded a doctorate in psychology from the Salesian Pontifical University and a licentiate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University “Antonianum” in Rome.

He has held various roles in the Custody of the Holy Land, including Guardian of the Convent of Nazareth, member of the Discretorio and the Commission for ongoing formation.

In August 2022 he was appointed vicar of the Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins for Cyprus.