Prato commemorates Monsignor Gastone Simoni on fourth anniversary of death

The city of Prato is observing the fourth anniversary of the death of Monsignor Gastone Simoni, the former residential bishop. A suffrage mass will be held at the Prato Cathedral on Friday, August 28, at 9:30 AM, celebrated by Bishop Giovanni Nerbini.

Monsignor Simoni passed away on August 28, 2022, at the age of 85. During his 20-year leadership of the Prato Church, he addressed significant societal shifts, including the growth of the Chinese community and challenges within the local textile industry. He was recognized as an authoritative voice on labor, immigration, and lay involvement, and he reorganized the diocese into vicariates.

Ordained as a bishop by Pope John Paul II in 1992, Simoni was known for his commitment to the social doctrine of the Church. He resigned from his position as diocesan ordinary in April 2012 upon reaching the age of 75.