Cardinal Agostino Vallini is retired Italian prelate and accomplished canon lawyer who served as vicar general of Rome and held numerous leadership positions at the Vatican, including prefect of the Apostolic Signatura.

Born on April 17, 1940, in Poli, Diocese of Tivoli, Italy[, Vallini was ordained priest on July 19, 1964, for the Archdiocese of Naples. After completing his studies in Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in utroque iure (both civil and canon law), Vallini began teaching canon law in Naples.

In 1971, he was called back to Rome to lecture on ecclesiastical public law at the Pontifical Lateran University. He dedicated himself to this work while continuing part-time teaching and parish duties in Naples. In 1978, Vallini was appointed rector of the major seminary in Naples.

His episcopal career began on March 23, 1989, when he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Naples and Titular Bishop of Tortibulum. He received episcopal ordination on May 13, 1989. On November 13, 1999, he was appointed Bishop of Albano, Italy.

Vallini’s career in the Roman Curia began on May 27, 2004, when he was appointed Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and given the personal title of Archbishop. On March 24, 2006, he was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, receiving the title of Cardinal-Deacon of San Pier Damiani ai Monti di San Paolo.

On June 27, 2008, Cardinal Vallini was appointed Vicar General of Rome and Archpriest of the Papal Lateran Basilica. He also served as Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University. On January 12, 2012, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Ostia.

Cardinal Vallini participated in the conclave of March 2013, which elected Pope Francis. On May 18, 2013, Pope Francis reconfirmed him as Vicar of Rome. He served in these roles until his retirement on May 26, 2017.

Throughout his career, Cardinal Vallini has held various other positions, including President of the Court of Appeal of Vatican City State and President of the Commission for Lawyers. On November 4, 2017, he was nominated Pontifical Legate for the Basilicas of St. Francis and Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi.

Cardinal Vallini’s career has been characterized by his dedication to canon law, education, and his service in key leadership positions. He once spoke out against the distribution of condoms in Rome schools, viewing it as trivializing sexuality and education. He also emphasized the importance of teaching young people to value their bodies and sexuality as gifts from God.

Cardinal Vallini continues to serve the Church in various capacities, drawing on his extensive experience in canon law and ecclesiastical administration.