Cardinal Angelo Acerbi, a retired distinguished Vatican diplomat kidnapped by Colombian guerillas in 1980, is the oldest man ever to be made cardinal after Pope Francis elevated him to the College in December 2024 at the age of 99.

Born on September 23, 1925, in Sesta Godano, Italy, he was ordained a priest on March 27, 1948, for the Diocese of La Spezia. He pursued higher education, earning degrees in canon law and theology before entering the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1954 after completing his studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

His diplomatic career began with assignments in various nunciatures, including Colombia, Brazil, Japan, and France. On June 22, 1974, Pope Paul VI appointed Acerbi as Archbishop of Zella and Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to New Zealand and Apostolic Delegate to the Pacific Ocean. Pope Paul VI himself consecrated Acerbi a bishop on June 30, 1974.

One of the most notable events in Acerbi’s career occurred during his tenure as Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia. On February 27, 1980, he was taken hostage along with other diplomats when communist guerrillas from the 19th of April Movement attacked the embassy of the Dominican Republic in Bogota. Acerbi spent six weeks in captivity, during which he was allowed to celebrate Mass daily for the hostages. He was among the last to be released in Havana on April 28, 1980.

Throughout his career, Acerbi served as Apostolic Nuncio to several countries, including Hungary (1990-1997), Moldova (1994-1997), and the Netherlands (1997-2001). His appointment as nuncio to Hungary in 1990 was particularly significant, as he was the first to hold this position after the fall of communism in the country.

After retiring from active diplomatic service in 2001, Acerbi continued to serve the Church in various capacities. He was appointed to several curial positions, including membership in the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Congregation for Bishops. From 2001 to 2015, he served as the Prelate of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Acerbi’s elevation to cardinal in 2024 came as a surprise, given his advanced age. At 99, he became the oldest man ever to be named a cardinal. Due to his age, he will not be eligible to vote in a future conclave, but his appointment is seen as a recognition of his long service to the Church, and in recognition for all the diplomats of the Holy See.

Throughout his career, Acerbi has been known for his diplomatic skills and dedication to the Church. His experiences, particularly during the hostage crisis in Colombia, have made him a respected figure in Vatican diplomacy.