Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin, who led the archdiocese for more than a decade, died Tuesday at the age of 80. The former prelate passed away at the Cottolengo Hospice in Chieri after being hospitalized with a respiratory illness, according to his successor, Archbishop Roberto Repole.
Repole will preside over Nosiglia’s funeral, which is scheduled for Friday at 3:30 p.m. in Turin Cathedral.
Nosiglia served as Archbishop of Turin from 2010 to 2022 and was also appointed Apostolic Administrator of Susa from 2019 to 2022. His leadership in both dioceses spanned critical years of change and transition within the Catholic Church in Italy.
Early life and religious formation
Born Oct. 5, 1944, in Rossiglione, Liguria, Nosiglia grew up in nearby Campo Ligure. He studied at the seminary in Acqui Terme and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Acqui in 1968 by Bishop Giuseppe Dell’Omo.
He continued his theological education in Rome, earning degrees in theology from the Pontifical Lateran University and in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute.
From 1971 to 1991, Nosiglia held several roles in the Italian Episcopal Conference, primarily in the National Catechetical Office. He served as vice director, then director, overseeing religious education programs across Italy. Alongside these responsibilities, he also worked in parish ministry and taught theology at the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm.
Rise in church leadership
Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Rome in July 1991. He was consecrated in September of that year and later named vicegerent of Rome in 1996, receiving the personal title of archbishop.
Nosiglia continued to take on greater responsibilities within the Italian Church. He became Bishop of Vicenza in 2003 and was elected vice president of the Italian Episcopal Conference in 2010.
Later that same year, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Turin. His tenure included pastoral outreach, catechetical leadership, and involvement in national religious education.
Final years and lasting legacy
In 2019, Pope Francis extended his service beyond the typical retirement age, also naming him Apostolic Administrator of Susa. He held both posts until his resignation was accepted in February 2022.
Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin dies during a time when his influence remains visible across the parishes and institutions he served. His decades of service in both education and episcopal leadership marked him as a steady voice within the Italian Church.
