Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti is an orthodox-leaning canonist and former Vatican Secretary for Relations with States who is a strong advocate for religious freedom and an ardent defender of the right to life.

Born on March 7, 1952, in Marrakesh, Morocco, to French parents who returned to France shortly after his birth, Mamberti currently serves as the prefect of the Apostolic Signatura in the Roman Curia, a position he has held since January 2015.

He pursued studies in public law and political science before entering the Pontifical French Seminary in Rome. On September 20, 1981, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ajaccio, Corsica. Mamberti furthered his education by earning degrees in both civil and canon law.

Mamberti’s diplomatic career with the Holy See began on March 1, 1986. He served in various papal representations, including Algeria (1986-1990), Chile (1990-1993), Lebanon (1996-1999), and at the United Nations in New York (1993-1996). His expertise in international relations led to his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Sudan and Apostolic Delegate to Somalia on May 18, 2002. In 2004, he was also appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Eritrea.

In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Secretary for Relations with States, effectively making him the Vatican’s Foreign Minister. In this role, he led numerous Holy See delegations at international meetings and conferences, particularly at the United Nations General Assembly and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

In November 2014, Pope Francis appointed Mamberti prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, replacing Cardinal Raymond Burke. In January, 2015, Francis elevated Mamberti to the cardinalate.

In July 2024, Cardinal Mamberti was designated as the cardinal who will pronounce the “Habemus Papam!” [“We have a Pope!”) announcement when a new pope is elected. This responsibility came to him after becoming the most senior cardinal in the Order of Deacons.

Throughout his career, Cardinal Mamberti has been known for his expertise in international relations, particularly concerning Latin America, the United Nations, Africa, the Middle East, and Islam. His diplomatic skills and extensive experience have made him a valuable asset to the Holy See in navigating complex global issues.

Drawing on that expertise, the cardinal has called for international law to be based on the dignity and nature of humanity, rooted in natural law. He advocates for the protection of religious liberty, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in international contexts.

While he served as Secretary for Relations with States during Benedict XVI’s pontificate, some Rome diplomats believed the Holy See was not as “focused” as it had been just ten years earlier. Some of these diplomats pointed to Mamberti and complained about poor lines of communication, but many of these critics also wanted the Church to promote a “unified international agenda” more sympathetic to secular concerns and a globalist vision.

Cardinal Mamberti is known to be a staunch defender of the right to life, the dignity of human life, and Catholic moral teaching in general. In January 2013, Mamberti gave an interview to Vatican Radio in which he defended the right to a conscience clause for Christian employers who refused services to homosexuals.

Mamberti has expressed opposition to increasing secularism. He has also emphasized the importance of religious liberty and the autonomy of the Church. In his view, respect for freedom of conscience and religion is a condition for establishing a tolerant, pluralistic society.

Cardinal Mamberti tends to be discreet, and as his role as Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura is primarily judicial within the Church’s internal governance, that may also explain why he made fewer public statements on some specific doctrinal or social issues.