Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation submitted by the Archbishop of Milan, Mario Delpini, upon reaching the age of 75, but has decided to extend his mandate for one year at the head of Italy’s most populous diocese, which has more than 5.5 million inhabitants and nearly 1,100 parishes.
The decision was communicated to Delpini by the Apostolic Nuncio in Italy, Edgar Peña Parra, through a letter received a few days ago, according to the Archdiocese of Milan. The same communication sets the deadlines for launching the process that will lead to the appointment of his successor.
Leo XIV accepts the resignation nunc pro tunc
Delpini turned 75 on July 29 and, in accordance with canon 401 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, submitted his resignation from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Milan to the Pontiff.
The submission of the resignation upon reaching that age does not automatically entail the bishop’s removal, as it is up to the Pope to decide on its acceptance and when it takes effect.
In the letter sent to Delpini, Peña Parra informed him that Leo XIV “has accepted said resignation with the formula nunc pro tunc, extending the appointment for one year”.
The decision now confirms a continuity that Delpini himself had already announced upon turning 75. The archbishop then explained that Leo XIV had expressly asked him to remain at the head of Milan and not to prepare his farewell, so he had scheduled the 2026-2027 pastoral year as usual.
Read also: Delpini submits his resignation at 75, but will continue to lead Milan at the Pope’s request
The search for his successor will begin after July 2027
The Nunciature has also clarified what will happen once the extension year concludes. After July 2027, the usual investigation for the provision of the Milan see will begin—that is, the consultation process prior to the election and appointment of a new archbishop.
The end of that period, however, will not mean Delpini’s automatic departure. Peña Parra’s communication specifies that the archbishop “will therefore remain in office until the publication of the appointment of his successor”.
Thus, the timetable established by Rome contemplates two distinct moments: first, a one-year extension of Delpini’s mandate; subsequently, starting after July 2027, the beginning of the procedure to fill the see. Delpini will continue to govern the Archdiocese while that process unfolds and until Leo XIV officially appoints his successor.
Italy’s most populous diocese
The future succession will be especially significant due to the weight of the Ambrosian see. Milan is the most populous diocese in Italy, with more than 5.5 million inhabitants and 1,099 parishes, in addition to its singular historical importance within the Italian Church.
Its territory extends over more than 4,200 square kilometers and includes a large part of the Milan metropolitan area and other zones of Lombardy.
Delpini, born in Gallarate on July 29, 1951, was appointed Archbishop of Milan by Francis in July 2017 and took possession of the Ambrosian see in September of the same year.
Leo XIV’s decision thus opens a prolonged transition period: Delpini will remain at the head of Milan for the next pastoral year and will continue in office, even after the extension year, until the appointment of his successor is made public.