Pope Leo XIV accepts the resignation of bishop Guido Gallese, the bishop of Acqui Terme Luigi Testore appointed apostolic administrator

The Diocese of Alessandria remains temporarily without a pastor: Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Guido Gallese and entrusted the regency to the bishop of nearby Acqui Terme Luigi Testore, appointed apostolic administrator. The latter will also continue to carry out the tasks received previously, while the former will be spiritual assistant of the National Shrine Connection. The decision comes after an apostolic visit ordered by the Holy See, which entrusted Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello with the task of verifying the situation of the diocese. The visit began in January, and from that moment there was strong media pressure, which the Alexandrian bishop had defined as "painful pillory".

Gallese, 64 years old, originally from Levanto in the province of La Spezia and bishop of Alessandria since November 2012, has been at the center of heated controversy for some time. In the sights crazy expenses such as the purchase of a Tesla, the passion for kitesurfing which he also loved to practice in South America, expensive renovations, chiaroscuro on the budgets. But also exposed, internal tensions, deep divisions with part of the clergy and the community.

"Seeing one's life passed through the sieve of prejudice, reading denigrating terms that have nothing to do with the reality of the facts - the then bishop said in a meeting with the faithful - makes one suffer. However, in this suffering the true experience of Jesus on the Cross emerges".

"Alexandria - the bishop emeritus recalls today - has been my home for almost 14 years. Sometimes truly loving a community means having the courage and humility, when there is a common struggle, to take a step back for the good of all. Despite the media outcry about myself - he adds - the visit had its own process of discernment at the end of which I did not receive even a written line, and no sanction. However, the general climate and the circumstances that were created highlighted the need for turning the page, for everyone. You realize this, being able to dedicate yourself to a new service for the Church becomes a gift."

Gallese will officially say goodbye to the Diocese of Alessandria on 4 October and will go to live elsewhere. "It is a choice - he underlines - that I make first and foremost out of love and respect for this Church, to leave full freedom and serenity of action to those who come after me. But Alexandria, its people, its faces and its stories will remain forever kept in my prayer and in my heart".