Antonio Riboldi — Italian Bishop and Rosminian Prelate (1923–2017)

Early life and ordination

Riboldi was born in Triuggio in northern Italy on 16 January 1923. He entered the Institute of Charity, a religious congregation founded in the 19th century by Antonio Rosmini, and was ordained a priest on 29 June 1951. As a member of the Rosminians he combined parish ministry with the congregation's emphasis on education and charity.

Episcopal ministry in Acerra

He was appointed bishop of Acerra on 25 January 1978 and received episcopal consecration on 11 March 1978. The Diocese of Acerra, located near Naples in Campania, includes urban and rural communities facing economic hardship and social challenges. During his two decades as diocesan bishop, Riboldi focused on pastoral outreach, supporting local parishes, and encouraging lay involvement in charitable works.

Key dates

• Born: 16 January 1923, Triuggio
• Ordained priest: 29 June 1951
• Appointed bishop of Acerra: 25 January 1978
• Consecrated bishop: 11 March 1978
• Retired: 7 December 1999
• Died: 10 December 2017 (aged 94)

Later life, death and legacy

Following his resignation he lived privately and continued to be respected as a pastor and a voice for social concern. Riboldi died at his home in Stresa on 10 December 2017 at the age of 94. Reports noted complications from Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor; contemporary accounts of his death are available in news coverage here and information about the illness may be found here.

He is remembered within the Italian church for steady pastoral leadership and for directing diocesan attention toward charitable care and social problems. As a Rosminian bishop he exemplified the congregation’s concern for education and practical charity, leaving a legacy in the parishes and communities he served.