on 5 november 1998, pope john paul ii appointed cacciavillan to a five-year term as president of the administration of the patrimony of the apostolic see (apas). he was created cardinal-deacon of santi angeli custodi a città giardino in the consistory of 21 february 2001. he retired as president of the apas when his resignation was accepted and he was replaced as president on 1 october 2002 by attilio nicora. cacciavillan was one of the cardinal electors who participated in the 2005 papal conclave that selected pope benedict xvi.