Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

DONATE

Consideration of Friar Carlos Alberto Trovarelli the Minister General

by

Who is Friar Carlos Alberto Trovarelli?

Carlos Alberto Trovarelli was born on June 21, 1962, in Cinco Saltos, Rio Negro, Argentina. He was baptized in June of 1962 and was confirmed ten years later in November of 1972. He entered Postulancy for the Conventual Franciscans’ Province of St. Anthony (Argentina & Uruguay) in 1984 in the city of Moreno. He professed Solemn Vows in October of 1990 and was ordained a priest on March 25, 1995.

On May 25, 2019, during the Ordinary General Chapter, Father Carlos was elected as the 120th Successor of St. Francis, the Minister General of the Friars Minor Conventual. This election took place at the Sacred Convent in Assisi, Italy. Carlos was then reelected in 2025 for a second six-year term.

What is the Minister General

The Minister General is the head or superior general for the Friars Minor Conventual. The term comes directly from Saint Francis of Assisi himself.

Francis chose the word “minister” to illicit an air of equality within the order. While the Minister General may oversee the other friars, his job is to act as their minister, or servant, rather than their superior.

The original term is the Latin form: minister generalis. It is found in Chapter 8 of the Rule of Saint Francis.

Safeguarding Statement

The Franciscan Friars Conventual of St. Bonaventure Province are committed to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.

Every friar in active ministry must complete training in Virtus (the National Catholic Risk Retention Group) and any other safe environment compliances required by the dioceses in which they serve.

In addition, St. Bonaventure Province has its own Safe Environment Commission that oversees the implementation and monitoring of the Province’s Policies, Procedures, and Protocols for Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults. 

Any allegation regarding the Franciscan Friars Conventual of this Province receives an immediate response. This includes the Province’s full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and Ordinaries who have ecclesial jurisdiction over these matters, as well as a duly diligent investigation by a qualified third party in order to substantiate credibility.