Dicastery for the Service of Charity

Leadership

About Luis Marin de San Martin

Luis Marín de San Martín was born on 4 October 1952 in Valencia, Spain. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) and was ordained to the priesthood. He earned advanced theological and historical degrees, specializing in patristics and Augustinian spirituality, and became a recognized scholar within the Augustinian order.

He served in various academic and leadership capacities within the Augustinian order, including as general secretary and as undersecretary of the Augustinian General Curia in Rome. His work on Augustinian history and spirituality, particularly on the reform of religious life, brought him to the attention of the Vatican. He contributed to various Vatican congregations and councils on matters of religious life and consecrated life.

Pope Francis appointed him Almoner of His Holiness (Elemosiniere di Sua Santità) — head of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity — on 1 November 2020, simultaneously consecrating him a bishop. In this role he distributes alms and charitable assistance in the Pope's name, including direct outreach to homeless persons sleeping rough near the Vatican, and coordinates the Papal Blessing parchment service.

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About

Also called the Apostolic Alms Office. Exercises works of assistance in the name of the Roman Pontiff toward those in indigence, marginalization, or poverty.

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