(ANS – Rome) – It is with deep sorrow that the Salesian Family announces the passing of Fr. Elio Torrigiani, who died in Rome on 11 September 2025 at the age of 92. Born on November 4, 1932, Fr. Torrigiani embraced Don Bosco’s charism from a young age, dedicating 77 years of religious life and 67 years of priesthood to the education of young people and the guidance of Salesian communities. He served the Salesian Congregation with extraordinary dedication in various roles and responsibilities, being remembered in particular for his service as Provincial of the Italy Liguria-Tuscany  Province (1978-1984) and the Rector of the Salesian community in the Vatican for 18 years (1991-2009).  His funeral will take place on Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 am at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Via Tuscolana, Rome.

Fr. Torrigiani was born on November 4, 1932 in Montecatini Terme, Tuscany, and became a Salesian at a very young age, in 1948, at the age of 16. He was ordained a priest in Turin on July 1,1958, when he was not yet 26 years old.

“Fr. Elio was a true example of kindness and courtesy. He was always gentle in his manner, careful with his words and respectful to the sensibilities of others, and he never offended anyone. His delicate soul and lifestyle reflected an authentic inner nobility, which made him loved and respected by all. Even in the most difficult moments of his last days, he lived every moment with serenity and great faith,” recalled his confrere Fr. Giorgio Rossi.

Fr. Torrigiani’s life was intertwined with important stages in Salesian history, especially in central and northern Italy, where he mostly had the task of animating and governing the communities in which he resided: Vallecrosia (1966-70), Florence (1970-72 and 1975-78), Alassio (1972-75), Rome-San Tarcisio (1984-86) and Rome-San Callisto (2009-14). He served in all these communities with competence and dedication as the Rector.

“His pastoral dedication was extraordinary,” added Fr Javier Ortiz, the parish priest of the Salesian Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome, where Fr Torrigiani served during the last years of his life. “Fr Elio was an exceptional confessor, capable of welcoming with great empathy and offering spiritual comfort to those who turned to him. Many affirmed that they felt relieved and consoled after talking to him, finding in him a guide who conveyed peace, hope and God’s presence.”

Roles and Responsibilities

Among the most significant responsibilities he held, one can recall, in particular, his far-sighted and attentive service as the Superior of the Liguria-Tuscany Province (1978-1984), promoting youth formation and strengthening the Salesian spirit among confreres and lay people; and that of Rector of the Salesian Community in the Vatican (1991-2009), which led him to be a Salesian reference point within the entire Vatican City, offering a witness of dedication, fraternal dialogue and humble service to the Universal Church.

Spirituality and legacy

Known for his simplicity and ability to listen, Fr. Torrigiani stood out for:

– a passionate faith and lively devotion to Don Bosco, which enabled him to always be attentive to young people and his confreres;

– an uncommon ability to dialogue, both in authoritative ecclesial circles such as the Holy See and among lay and religious collaborators in educational works;

– his discreet but effective service, his radical fidelity to the Salesian vocation and his evangelical witness practiced in the small things of everyday life.

“Fr. Elio embodied the figure of the loving and caring father. His ability to understand people, to give wise advice and to be present in times of need made him a point of reference for everyone. His spiritual fatherhood was a source of inspiration and security for anyone who met him,” added Salesian coadjutor Br. Cosimo Cossu.

A memory that remains alive

“He was a person of extraordinary intelligence and great wisdom and possessed a rare ability to see beyond appearances, to discern with clarity and to offer thoughtful and enlightening advice. His wisdom was a precious gift, which he always put at the service of others with humility and generosity,” concluded Fr. Giuseppe Costa.

Fr. Torrigiani will be remembered for his profound spirituality, cordial welcome, calmness, sense of humour, hospitality and ability to encourage anyone who approached him. Even in his later years, he continued to participate actively in Salesian life, celebrating anniversaries and taking part enthusiastically in community meetings.

Fr. Torrigiani was a true witness to the spirit of Don Bosco in modern times. His testimony remains etched in the memory of those who had the good fortune to meet him.

The Salesian Family remembers him with gratitude and appreciation, entrusting his soul to God’s mercy and asking the faithful to accompany him with their prayers. The community thanks all those who will join in remembering and celebrating his consecrated life and generous service.