Overview
- Cardinal Camillo Ruini died in Rome on Tuesday, June 16, at age 95 after recent renal problems and a period of home medical care that began after his condition worsened on May 21.
- A public wake (camera ardente) was opened at the Pontifical Seminary and Pope Leone XIV celebrated the funeral at St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, June 18, with senior Vatican and Italian political figures in attendance.
- The Vatican announced the coffin will be taken to Ruini’s native diocese of Reggio Emilia for a second Mass, scheduled for Friday, June 19, and burial in the family tomb at Dinazzano.
- Ruini served as Cardinal Vicar of Rome and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference for much of the 1990s and 2000s, shaping CEI policy and earning a reputation as the leading voice of the Church’s conservative wing.
- Political and church leaders have offered formal condolences, and the pope presiding over the funeral signals strong institutional recognition that could reinforce conservative influence and shape Rome–state relations in the months ahead.