The Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans, elected Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, 58, to be minister general of the order. He is pictured in an undated photo. (CNS photo/courtesy Order of Friars Minor)
Rome — Members of the general chapter of the Order of Friars Minor elected Rome-born Fr. Massimo Fusarelli as the new minister general of the worldwide Franciscan order.
The general chapter July 3-18 brought together 116 Franciscans representing some 13,000 friars. The election of the new head of the order took place July 13.
Pope Francis congratulated Fusarelli and assured him of his prayers in a telegram sent shortly after the election. "May the seraphic father, St. Francis, be an encouragement for you in leading your brothers," the pope wrote.