Giovanni Cheli (4 October 1918 – 8 February 2013) was an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church, who had a career in the diplomatic service of the Holy See and then in the senior ranks of the Roman Curia.

Cheli returned to the parish of Asti and became diocesan vice-counselor of the Young Men of Catholic Action.

[2] By this time Cheli was known for his knowledge of the problems the Vatican encountered relating to the communist nations of Eastern Europe.

On 8 September 1978, Pope John Paul I named him titular archbishop of Santa Giusta and gave him the rank of nuncio,[3] though his title remained permanent observer.

[3] John Paul II made Cheli Cardinal-Deacon of Santi Cosma e Damiano in the consistory of 21 February 1998.

His funeral was held on 9 February at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City with Cardinal Angelo Sodano celebrating the Mass.