Bartolo Longo
Bartolo Longo was an Italian lawyer who converted from Satanism to Catholicism and became a Dominican tertiary. He is renowned for his devotion to the Rosary and the Virgin Mary, and for founding the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei. He was canonized as a saint in 2025.
Key Facts
- ›Bartolo Longo was born in Latiano, in the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, on 10 February 1841.
- ›He was ordained as a Satanic priest in the 1860s before converting back to Catholicism.
- ›On 7 October 1871, he became a Dominican tertiary and adopted the name Rosario.
- ›He dedicated himself to promoting the Rosary and established the Shrine of our Lady of Pompei.
- ›Bartolo Longo and Countess Mariana DI Fusco married on 7 April 1885 and lived in a Josephite marriage.
- ›He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1902 and 1903 for his peace initiatives and social work.
Major Works
- The 54 day Novena to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii
- May 8: Supplication to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii
- San Domenico e l'Inquisizione al Tribunale della Ragione e della Storia
Rosario
- Wearing the Mantle and Regalia of A Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
Founder, Apostle of the Rosary
About Bartolo Longo
Bartolo Longo (1841–1926) was an Italian lawyer whose life took a dramatic turn from Satanism to profound Catholic faith and devotion. He became a Dominican tertiary, dedicating himself to the propagation of the Rosary and the veneration of the Virgin Mary. His significant contributions include the founding of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei and extensive charitable works, leading to his eventual canonization.
Life and historical context
Born in Latiano on February 10, 1841, Bartolo Longo came from a prosperous family. He pursued law at the University of Naples, a period marked by the rise of Italian nationalism and the growing popularity of spiritualism. Influenced by these currents, Longo reportedly became a Satanic priest. However, a period of intense spiritual struggle and illness led him to seek spiritual guidance from Dominican friar Alberto Radente and religious sister Caterina Volpicelli. They introduced him to devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Rosary, aiding his conversion back to Catholicism.
On October 7, 1871, Longo embraced the Dominican tertiary life, taking the name Rosario. He also engaged in charitable work with Franciscan friars, assisting the poor and the ill. His legal practice brought him to Pompei, where he was struck by the erosion of faith and prevalence of superstition among the populace. Inspired by a promise of the Blessed Virgin to Saint Dominic, Longo committed himself to promoting the Rosary as a means of spiritual renewal.
Major contributions
Longo's most enduring legacy is the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei. With the support of Countess Mariana di Fusco, he initiated the restoration of a dilapidated church and established a confraternity of the Rosary. In 1875, he acquired a painting of Our Lady of the Rosary, which he had restored and placed in the church. As alleged miracles began to be reported, the church grew in popularity, leading to its expansion and eventual consecration as a basilica. Longo also authored spiritual works, including "The History of the Sanctuary of Pompei."
He and Countess di Fusco married in 1885, entering into a Josephite marriage, and jointly organized significant charitable initiatives, such as schools and homes for orphans. In 1906, they donated the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei to the Holy See.
Legacy
Bartolo Longo's dedication to peace and social welfare was recognized with nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1902 and 1903. His cause for sainthood progressed after his death, with his spiritual writings approved by theologians. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 26, 1980, who referred to him as the "Apostle of the Rosary." His canonization was officially proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025, solidifying his place as a significant figure in Catholic devotion and social action.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bartolo Longo's background before his conversion?
Bartolo Longo was born into a wealthy Catholic family and studied law at the University of Naples. During his studies, he became involved in spiritualism and occultism, eventually being ordained as a Satanic priest.
How did Bartolo Longo convert to Catholicism?
With the help of Dominican friar Alberto Radente and religious sister Caterina Volpicelli, Bartolo Longo abandoned Satanism and returned to the Catholic Church. He renounced spiritualism, declaring it a maze of error and falsehood.
What is Bartolo Longo most known for?
Bartolo Longo is most known for his profound devotion to the Rosary and the Virgin Mary, and for founding the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei. His efforts significantly revived faith in the region and promoted Marian devotion.
When was Bartolo Longo beatified and canonized?
Bartolo Longo was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 26, 1980. He was later canonized by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025.
Did Bartolo Longo receive any special recognition for his peace efforts?
Yes, Bartolo Longo was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in both 1902 and 1903. These nominations recognized his efforts in organizing a petition drive for world peace and his involvement in social and humanitarian issues.
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