Pope Leo XIV honors Cardinal Camillo Ruini, praising his wisdom, service, and legacy in the Italian Church after his death at 95.
Newsroom (18/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV has paid tribute to Cardinal Camillo Ruini, describing him as a “wise brother” and expressing profound gratitude for his lifelong service to the Church following the cardinal’s death at the age of 95.
In a telegram released on Wednesday, June 17, the Pope conveyed his “closeness and condolences” after news of Ruini’s passing on Tuesday, June 16. Addressed to Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, the message reflects both personal sorrow and institutional recognition of a figure widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in the modern Italian Church.
A life marked by service and leadership
In his message, Pope Leo XIV praised Cardinal Ruini as “this esteemed man of the Church,” recalling a ministry lived with “generosity” across multiple decades and responsibilities. From his early pastoral work in the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla to his later service as Auxiliary Bishop and senior Vatican leader, Ruini’s contributions spanned local and national Church life.
The Pope highlighted Ruini’s enduring commitment, noting that he dedicated “the rest of his long existence” to the Diocese of Rome and to the broader Italian Church. Ruini served as Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome beginning in 1991, a role he held until 2008, alongside his appointment as Archpriest of the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
That same year, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II and assumed leadership of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, which he guided until 2007. His tenure in these roles cemented his reputation as a central figure in shaping the direction of the Church in Italy.
“A wise and farsighted brother”
Pope Leo XIV’s tribute emphasized not only Ruini’s institutional roles but also his personal qualities. He described the late cardinal as an “experienced and wise brother,” strengthened by “deep faith, keen intelligence and far-sighted vision.”
According to the telegram, Ruini served the Gospel and the Church “with discretion and self-denial,” characteristics that underscored his approach to leadership. The Pope also pointed to Ruini’s “fruitful work” within the Italian Bishops’ Conference and his efforts to foster “a fruitful dialogue with the world of culture,” suggesting a legacy that extended beyond ecclesiastical administration into broader intellectual engagement.
The Pope concluded with a prayer entrusting Ruini to “the heavenly Jerusalem,” invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing to all those mourning his passing, including clergy, family members, and the faithful.
A defining figure in the Italian Church
Born in Sassuolo, central Italy, in 1931, Camillo Ruini was ordained a priest in 1954. His rise within the Church hierarchy reflected both pastoral experience and administrative capability. Between 1983 and 1986, he served as Auxiliary Bishop of Reggio Emilia, marking the beginning of his national prominence.
Over subsequent decades, Ruini became synonymous with Church leadership in Italy. His dual role as Vicar General of Rome and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference positioned him at the intersection of Vatican governance and national ecclesiastical strategy.
Numerous Catholic institutions and leaders have issued statements recognizing his influence, including the Diocese of Rome and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the current president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. Together, these tributes underscore the breadth of Ruini’s impact across generations of clergy and faithful.
Final days and funeral arrangements
In the months leading up to his death, Cardinal Ruini’s health had declined significantly. He required daily care at home, following a series of serious medical conditions, including a heart attack in July 2024 and kidney failure in 2025, both of which necessitated hospitalization.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, June 18, at 4:30 p.m. at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica — a setting that reflects his prominence within the Church he served for more than seven decades.
As the Catholic world reflects on his passing, Pope Leo XIV’s words encapsulate the sentiment shared by many: a recognition of a life devoted to faith, leadership, and the enduring mission of the Church.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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