The cardinal Edoardo Menichelli, emeritus archbishop of Ancona-Osimo, passed away this Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by the Church in Italy, which has announced the funeral rites in the metropolitan cathedral. Born in 1939 in Serripola di San Severino Marche, he was ordained a priest in 1965 and served as a presbyter in the archdiocese of Camerino-San Severino Marche, archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, and from 2004 to 2017, metropolitan archbishop of Ancona-Osimo. In 2015, he was created a cardinal by Pope Francis.
Condolence Telegram from Leo XIV
On the occasion of the death, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolence on October 22 to Msgr. Angelo Spina, metropolitan archbishop of Ancona-Osimo, expressing his closeness and prayer for the eternal rest of the cardinal.
Telegram from the Holy Father Leo XIV
To His Excellency Msgr. Angelo Spina
Metropolitan Archbishop of Ancona-OsimoUpon receiving the news of the death of Cardinal Edoardo Menichelli, I wish to express my condolences for the mourning that has struck that ecclesial community and that of Chieti-Vasto, which had him as a zealous pastor, as well as the archdiocese of Camerino-San Severino Marche, of which he was a generous presbyter.
In remembering this dear brother who served the Church and the Holy See with dedication, I raise my prayer to the Lord so that, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he may welcome him into the heavenly Jerusalem, and from the heart I impart the Apostolic Blessing to the family members, to all those who assisted him with affection, and to all those present at the funeral rite.
Leo XIV, Pope
Funeral Rites
The archdiocese of Ancona-Osimo announced that the funeral will be held in the metropolitan cathedral, with the participation of the clergy and faithful from the dioceses where Cardinal Menichelli exercised his ministry. The communities are invited to join in prayer for his eternal rest.