St. Bartolo Longo: 100th anniversary of death and first feast day as saint

The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Bartolo Longo, who passed away on October 5, 1926. Following his canonization by Pope Leo in October 2025, the upcoming feast day on October 5 serves as a significant commemoration.

Longo, a lawyer by training, underwent a profound religious conversion in 1865 after a period of involvement in politics and spiritualism. He is best known for establishing the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii in 1876. His life and devotion to the Rosary have been noted by various popes, including Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the latter of whom visited Longo's tomb at the Pontifical Shrine of Pompeii.