Adriano Caprioli (1936 – 2026)

Their Story

Monsignor Adriano Caprioli was a distinguished Italian Roman Catholic prelate whose long career in the Church spanned seven decades. Born in Solbiate Olona in the Archdiocese of Milan, he was ordained a priest in 1959 by the man who would become Pope Paul VI. After earning a theology degree from the Gregoriana University in Rome, he spent more than three decades as an educator and spiritual leader, teaching liturgy and systematic theology at major seminaries and directing the esteemed Ambrosiana Paul VI Foundation. In 1998, at age 62, he was appointed Bishop of Reggio Emilia–Guastalla, a position he held with pastoral dedication for fourteen years until his retirement in 2012. During his episcopate, he championed youth ministry, leading young people from his diocese to World Youth Day gatherings and cultivating interfaith connections across Europe. He was also known for his scholarly contributions to Catholic theology, publishing works on liturgy, catechesis, and pastoral ministry. Remaining in his diocese as bishop emeritus after retirement, he continued to serve with humility and warmth until his death at age 90, leaving behind a rich legacy of service, learning, and spiritual guidance.