Cardinal Antonio Maria Vegliò is a retired Holy See diplomat and a veteran Roman Curia official who served in a number of high ranking Vatican positions under three popes.

Born on February 3, 1938, in Macerata Feltria, Italy, Vegliò was ordained priest for the diocese of Pesaro in 1962 and later attended the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, where he studied diplomacy.

His diplomatic career began in 1985 when he was appointed Titular Archbishop of Eclano and Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. He then served as Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to several African countries, including Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Mali, from 1989 to 1997. His diplomatic service continued with appointments as Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon and Kuwait from 1997 to 1999.

In 2001, Vegliò transitioned to a role within the Roman Curia, becoming Secretary of the Vatican Congregation for the Oriental Churches. His responsibilities further expanded in 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants.

Vegliò’s service to the Church was recognized on February 18, 2012, when Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of Cardinal-Deacon of San Cesareo in Palatio.

He participated in the 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis. On June 1, 2013, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Vegliò to the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.

Throughout his career, Cardinal Vegliò has been an advocate for the rights of migrants and refugees. He organized the first European meeting on pastoral care for people on the streets in 2009 and has spoken out against piracy and in support of seafarers affected by natural disasters.

Cardinal Vegliò is known for his linguistic abilities, speaking English, French, and Spanish in addition to his native Italian. On March 4, 2022, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal priest, further solidifying his position within the Church hierarchy.