Dominique Joseph Mathieu, O.F.M. Conv. (born 13 June 1963) is a Belgian Catholic prelate who has served as Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan since 2021. He is a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Pope Francis has announced he plans to make him a cardinal on 8 December 2024.
Dominique Mathieu O.F.M. Conv. | |
|---|---|
| Archbishop of Teheran-Isfahan | |
 | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Teheran-Isfahan |
| Appointed | 8 January 2021 |
| Previous post(s) | Definitor general and general assistant for the Central Europe Federation of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (2019-2021). |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 24 September 1989 |
| Consecration | 16 February 2021 by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Dominique Joseph Mathieu 13 June 1963 |
| Nationality | Belgium |
| Motto | Deus meus in Te confido (My God I trust in You) |
Biography
editDominique Mathieu was born in Arlon in Belgian Luxembourg, the southernmost province of Belgium, on 13 June 1963. He joined the Order of Friars Minor Conventual at 21 and professed his solemn vows on 20 September 1987. He was ordained a priest in Damme on 24 September 1989.
In 2013 he was incardinated in the Provincial Custody of the East and of the Holy Land. Within his Franciscan order he has held various positions: vocational promoter, secretary, vicar and provincial minister of the Belgian province of the Friars Minor Conventual, serving as delegate general when the provinces of Belgium and France merged; rector of the national shrine of Saint Anthony of Padua in Brussels and director of its Confraternity. He was also president of two non-profit organizations that support the Friars Minor Conventual in Belgium, and had responsibilities with the Catholic School of Landen. He has served as president of the Central Europe Federation of the Friars Minor Conventual and member of the International Commission for the Economy of that order.[1]
He moved to Lebanon in 2013 and served as custodial secretary, formator, master of novices and rector of postulants and candidates in the provincial Custody of the East and of the Holy Land.[1]
From 2019 to 2021 he was definitor general and general assistant for the Central Europe Federation of the Friars Minor Conventual.[1]
Pope Francis appointed him Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan on 8 January 2021.[1] He received his episcopal consecration on 16 February 2021 from Cardinal Leonardo Sandri in Rome's Basilica of the Twelve Apostles.[2] and took possession of his see in November.[citation needed]
On 6 October 2024, Pope Francis announced that he plans to make Mathieu a cardinal on 8 December.[3] He will become the third cardinal in the history of modern Iran.[4]
Mathieu has been described as having "a passion for astronomy".[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Resignations and Appointments, 08.01.2021". Holy See Press Office. 8 January 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b Mora Mesén, Víctor Manuel; Stoia, Agnello (19 February 2021). "Episcopal Ordination of Friar Dominique J. Mathieu". OFMConv. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ Castellano Lubov, Deborah (6 October 2024). "Pope Francis announces Consistory for creation of new Cardinals". Vatican News. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Tresca, Malo (7 October 2024). "Who are the 21 new cardinals chosen by Pope Francis?". La Croix International. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
