His Eminence Cardinal Avgustin,
Metropolitan Archbishop of Irkutsk
M. Derosiers
IRKUTSK 15 April 2026 (NRom)
His Holiness Pope Radislav I of Rome-Ruthenia has formally assigned His Eminence Cardinal Avgustin of Irkutsk the title of Cardinal Priest of Santa Barbara, showing the importance of the Russian lands to the history and heritage of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church.
Cardinal Avgustin, who serves as Metropolitan Archbishop of Irkutsk and Primate of the Russian Lands in the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, received this designation as part of the longstanding tradition linking members of the College of Cardinals to titular churches. The assignment symbolizes both symbolic membership in the Diocese of Rome-Ruthenia and the Cardinal’s role as a principal advisor to the Holy Father. It also reflects recognition of Cardinal Avgustin’s leadership and pastoral service across the Russian territories under his care.
Church officials note that the title of Santa Barbara carries historic and spiritual significance, reinforcing the unity between local Churches and the Apostolic See.
