Who Is Leonardo Sandri? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on November 18, 1943, Leonardo Sandri is an esteemed Argentine cardinal who has made significant contributions to the Roman Catholic Church over the years. As of 2025, Sandri is 81 years old. He is well-known for his extensive work in the Vatican and has held various prominent positions, including Secretary of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. His impressive career showcases his dedication and service to the church, making him a well-respected figure among clergy and laity alike.
| Occupation | Cat |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1943 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Argentina |
Popularity
Leonardo Sandri's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While detailed public records on Leonardo Sandri’s specific height and weight are limited, as a respected ecclesiastical figure, he maintains a dignified presence. Public appearances suggest that he stands at an average height and has a typical build for someone of his age. His exact body measurements remain private, aligning with his preference for a low-profile personal life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a cardinal, Leonardo Sandri has taken a vow of celibacy and thus does not have a girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, or husband. His commitment to the church and its teachings shapes his personal life significantly. Information regarding his family is also scarce, as he tends to keep his personal and familial matters private, focusing instead on his ecclesiastical responsibilities.
On 11 October 2006, while still serving in his sensitive position in the Vatican Secretariat of State, Sandri sent a letter to Father Boniface Ramsey, a New York City pastor who was a seminary professor from 1986 to 1996.
Sandri did not mention McCarrick, but referred to "the serious matters involving some of the students of the Immaculate Conception Seminary, which in November 2000 you were good enough to bring confidentially to the attention of the then Apostolic Nuncio in the United States, the late Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo." Ramsey's 2000 letter was about com
plaints of sexual abuse of seminarians on the part of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick when he was Archbishop of Newark (1986–2000).
Ramsey made Sandri's letter public on 7 September 2018 to document that his letter to Montalvo had reached Rome and that the highest levels of the Vatican had long been aware of his charges against McCarrick. By then McCarrick had resigned from the College of Cardinals, but he still faced a Church trial.
In February 2019, the same month McCarrick was laicized by the Vatican, an image of Sandri's 2006 letter was published by the media; it accompanied a Commonweal article that Ramsey wrote. On 5 February 2020, journalist Thomas J.
Reese cited the Sandri-Ramsey correspondence in calling for a full review of the Secretariat's files as part of the Vatican investigation into McCarrick and in order to determine who in the Vatican's highest levels knew what about the charges against McCarrick.
Net Worth and Salary
Leonardo Sandri's net worth is not publicly disclosed; however, as a high-ranking official within the Catholic Church, his earnings are generally derived from his ecclesiastical roles and responsibilities. Cardinals in the Vatican typically have access to a comfortable lifestyle, but exact numbers regarding his salary, income, or assets remain confidential, aligning with the church's values of modesty and service over material wealth.
Career, Business, and Investments
Leonardo Sandri has had a distinguished career within the Catholic Church, serving in various roles that demonstrate his commitment to promoting Catholic values and engaging with diverse communities around the world. His notable positions include acting as the apostolic nuncio in various countries and playing a pivotal role in diplomatic relations for the Vatican. While he does not partake in traditional business ventures or investments, his career reflects years of dedication to fostering inter-faith dialogue and supporting humanitarian efforts across the globe.
On 16 September 2000, he was named Substitute for General Affairs, a key position within the Roman Curia, serving essentially as the chief of staff of the Secretariat of State.
Social Network
Leonardo Sandri maintains a low profile on social media, consistent with his role within the Church, which encourages discretion and humility. However, he can be followed through official Vatican social media channels that highlight his public appearances and significant contributions to various causes. Direct interaction with fans or followers is minimal, as his focus lies on church matters rather than personal outreach.
As Pope John Paul's health declined, Sandri would read aloud the texts that the Pope could not deliver himself. On the evening of 2 April 2005, he announced the Pope's death from Saint Peter's Square, saying "We all feel like orphans this evening."
Education
Leonardo Sandri's education has been pivotal in shaping his theological and diplomatic career. He holds degrees in theology and canon law from prestigious institutions, equipping him with the necessary knowledge to navigate the complexities of the Church's operations and global relationships. His academic background plays a key role in his effectiveness as a leader within the church, enabling him to serve as a bridge between different cultures and communities.
Leonardo Sandri (born 18 November 1943) is an Argentine prelate of the Catholic Church who has been a cardinal since November 2007 and vice dean of the College of Cardinals since January 2020. He was prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches from 2007 to 2022.
He served in the diplomatic service of the Holy See from 1974 to 1991 in several overseas assignments, including as a permanent observer of the Holy See before the Organization of American States from 1989 to 1991, and in Rome as Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State from 1999 to 2007.
