Metropolitan Archbishop of Smyrna (Izmir), Turkey
Pope Francis has appointed Conventual Franciscan Friar Martin Kmetec as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Izmir (Turkey).
The Archbishop professed solemn vows in the Conventual Franciscan Order on October 4, 1982, and was ordained a priest in 1983. He has a doctorate in theology, with a specialty in dialogue and religions. He speaks Slovenian, Turkish, French, and Italian.
Minister General, friar Carlos Trovarelli, sent friar Martin his greetings,
“I know that as a Franciscan missionary your heart is already oriented towards love and the flock that you must now guide as its shepherd. In addition to the challenges that this ministry brings, there is also the present historical situation, full of considerable difficulties. I ask, therefore, that the Holy Spirit give you the light of his wisdom and the strength of his grace, together with his anointing that today consecrates you as Bishop.”
You can follow the live broadcast of friar Martin’s Episcopal Ordination on February 2, 2021 at 8 a.m. ET at:
https://www.sat7turk.com/canli-yayin/
