Pope Leo XIV Offers Condolences on Cardinal Ruini's Death
On June 17, in a telegram, Pope Leo XIV extended his condolences following the death of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar General Emeritus of the Diocese of Rome, who passed away on June 16 at the age of 95. The Pope expres…
On June 17, in a telegram, Pope Leo XIV extended his condolences following the death of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar General Emeritus of the Diocese of Rome, who passed away on June 16 at the age of 95. The Pope expressed his “closeness and condolences” for the loss of Ruini, an influential figure in the Italian Church.
Pope Leo described Cardinal Ruini as an “experienced and wise brother, characterized by deep faith, keen intelligence, and far-sighted vision, who served the Gospel and the Church with discretion and self-sacrifice.” In his message, he acknowledged Cardinal Ruini’s “fruitful work for the Italian Bishops’ Conference” and his “productive dialogue with the world of culture.”
The telegram was directed to Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the current Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome. Pope Leo XIV also voiced his “gratitude to the Lord for the gift of this esteemed man of the Church.” He concluded the message by requesting the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, to welcome Cardinal Ruini “into the heavenly Jerusalem,” while imparting an apostolic blessing to all who mourn his passing.
Cardinal Camillo Ruini was born in Sassuolo, Italy, in 1931, and was ordained in 1954. His ecclesiastical career included serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Reggio Emilia from 1983 to 1986 and being appointed cardinal in 1991 by Pope John Paul II. That same year, he also became Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome and Archpriest of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, serving in these roles until 2008. He held the presidency of the Italian Bishops’ Conference from 1991 to 2007 and is remembered as an influential presence within the Italian Church.
In recent months, Cardinal Ruini's health had declined, necessitating daily care at home. He had faced several health challenges, including a heart attack in July 2024 and kidney failure in 2025, which prompted hospitalizations. The funeral will take place on June 18, at 4:30 p.m. at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica.
