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Cardinal Paolo Romeo, former Archbishop of Palermo, dies at 88
Cardinal Paolo Romeo, the Archbishop Emeritus of Palermo, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the San Marco Hospital in Catania after a long illness. He was 88 years old.
A prominent figure in the Italian Catholic Church, Romeo had an extensive career in Vatican diplomacy. He served as a papal nuncio in Haiti, Colombia, Canada, and Italy and San Marino, following postings in the Philippines, Belgium, Luxembourg, Venezuela, Rwanda, and Burundi. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Metropolitan Archbishop of Palermo, a role he held until 2015. He was also a member of the conclave that elected Pope Francis.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:00 AM in the Basilica Cathedral of Acireale, his birthplace. A wake and prayer vigil are scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, at the same location.
Entities
Acireale · Archdiocese of Palermo · Benedetto XVI · Benedict XVI · Catholic Church · Corrado Lorefice · Paolo Romeo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He was created a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. www.wltv.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] Paolo Romeo served as the Archbishop of Palermo from 2006 to 2015. www.wltv.it · qds.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He served as Apostolic Nuncio in Haiti, Colombia, Canada, and Italy. www.wltv.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Cardinal Paolo Romeo died at the age of 88. stampa.chiesadipalermo.it · www.wltv.it · qds.it · www.ragusanews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The death occurred at the San Marco Hospital in Catania on Sunday, October 25, 2026. stampa.chiesadipalermo.it · www.wltv.it · qds.it · www.ragusanews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:00 AM in the Basilica Cathedral of Acireale. stampa.chiesadipalermo.it · www.wltv.it · qds.it · www.ragusanews.com