Petru Gherghel

Who is Petru Gherghel?

Petru Gherghel is a Romanian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the ninth and current Bishop of Iaşi.

Gherghel was born in Gherăești, Neamţ County. A graduate of the Roman Catholic Theological Institute of Iași, he was ordained to the priesthood in Alba Iulia on June 29, 1965 by Bishop Áron Márton. He then served at the parish in Barticeşti until 1967, followed by a period in Rădăuţi. On December 1, 1970, he was named a professor at his alma mater, rising to director in March 1975.

On February 21, 1978, Pope Paul VI named him apostolic administrator, with his installation taking place on April 4. During the following twelve years, a number of churches were built and parishes opened in the diocese, as well as a new seminary building; nearly 150 priests were ordained, with some of them being sent abroad to study. On March 14, 1990, Pope John Paul II raised Gherghel to the rank of bishop, with his consecration taking place on May 1 at the seminary, officiated by Archbishop Angelo Sodano, a representative of the Pope.