We will no longer see Msgr. Marini behind Pope Francis during papal liturgies. Pope Francis appointed Msgr. Marini, 56, Bishop of the Diocese of Tortona (Italy), the Press Office of the Holy See announced on August 29, 2021. Since 2007 Monsignor Guido Marini has been the master of pontifical liturgical celebrations. The name of his successor is not yet known.
Appointed master of ceremonies in 2007 by Benedict XVI, he was reappointed by Benedict to this strategic post for a five-year term in 2012. At the time of the 2013 conclave, he pronounced the famous ritual formula "Extra omnes" to order the closure of the doors of the Sistine Chapel in order to leave the cardinals in privacy to elect the next pope.
In 2014 and 2017, Bishop-elect Marini was renewed to his office by Pope Francis, despite some speculation in the press that suggested possible differences in matters of liturgical sensitivity between the Argentine Pope and Marini. In 2019, the pontiff also entrusted him with the responsibility of the musical choir of the Sistine Chapel.
As director of papal celebrations, the Italian prelate was able to accompany Benedict XVI and Francis on their various apostolic journeys. Always close to the pope during the ceremonies, he ensured the proper organization of the liturgy while being ready to intervene when circumstances required it.
In the Vatican, Marini is particularly recognized for his discretion, his kindness, his attention to others and his great piety.
Born in 1965 and ordained a priest in 1989 for the Archdiocese of Genoa, he was the private secretary and master of the liturgical celebrations of the various archbishops of Genoa, including Cardinals Dionigi Tettamanzi, Tarcisio Bertone, and Angelo Bagnasco.
