It is His Excellency Mons. Antonio Staglianò of Isola di Capo Rizzuto the new Rector of the Church of the Artists, at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto, in Rome. The nomination came in recent days directly from Father Francesco.
The Basilica, located in Piazza del Popolo, is among the most famous in the capital, it is known for the tradition of the Artists’ Mass, celebrated every Sunday from October to June, with an actor as reader, a detail that has earned it the nickname ” Church of the Artists”. A place rich in history, which has seen events of great importance, such as the presbyteral ordination of Angelo Roncallifuture Pope John XXIII, on 10 August 1904. Furthermore, the Basilica was chosen for the funerals of many personalities of Italian entertainment, including Fred Bongusto, Bud Spencer, Fabrizio Frizzi, Gigi Proietti, Franco Di Mare and many others.
This nomination represents a significant recognition for Mons. Staglianò, who with his charisma and experience will lead one of the most symbolic churches of spirituality and art in Italy. The religious man, always very attached to his native land, often returns to his island Capo Rizzuto, where he is still affectionately called “Don Tonino. In December, among other things, he is expected to present his new book: “The Hodgepodge of Pop Theology”.
The new role ideally strengthens the bond between Rome and Isola di Capo Rizzuto, a town that boasts three bishops among its citizens, in addition to Staglianò there are in fact Mons. Fortunato Morrone and Mgr. Pino Caiazzo, who lead, respectively, the churches of Reggio Calabria and Matera.