It was October 25, 1997 when Cesare Di Pietro was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela. Today, 29 years after that date, Monsignor Di Pietro celebrates the anniversary of his presbyteral ordination as Bishop of Locri-Gerace, a task entrusted to him by Pope Leo XIV on 23 May 2026.
The appointment marked the transition from the Church of Messina to the diocesan community of Locride, after the experience gained as auxiliary bishop of Messina. A new pastoral responsibility which sees him involved in the accompaniment of the parishes and in the relationship with the various ecclesial and social realities of the territory.
In the message addressed to the diocese after the appointment, Monsignor Di Pietro showed particular attention towards young people, families, the elderly, the sick, the poor and the most fragile people. He also expressed his desire to promote an open dialogue with civil and institutional authorities, respecting their respective roles, and to continue discussions with other Christian confessions and with people who do not identify with a religious faith. Themes that outline the priorities of his ministry in the Calabrian diocese.
The solemn entry of Monsignor Di Pietro into the diocese took place on 25 July 2026 in the co-cathedral Basilica of Gerace, with the taking of canonical possession of the episcopal seat.