Bartolo Longo
Bartolo Longo was an Italian lawyer who converted from Satanism to Catholicism, dedicating his life to the promotion of the rosary and the Virgin Mary. He is chiefly remembered for founding the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei and for his extensive charitable works. His canonization was approved by Pope Francis and completed by Pope Leo XIV in 2025.
Key Facts
- ›Bartolo Longo was born on February 10, 1841, in Latiano, Italy.
- ›He converted from Satanism to Catholicism in 1871, becoming a Dominican tertiary and taking the name Rosario.
- ›Longo founded the Shrine of our Lady of Pompei in Italy, which began as a restoration of a dilapidated church in 1873.
- ›He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1902 and 1903 for his peace petition and humanitarian work.
- ›He and his wife, Countess Mariana DI Fusco, lived in a Josephite marriage and established schools and homes for orphans.
- ›Longo was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 26, 1980, and canonized by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025.
Rosario Longo
Pompei, the Rosary
Dominican Tertiary
About Bartolo Longo
Bartolo Longo (1841–1926) was an Italian lawyer renowned for his profound conversion from Satanism to Catholicism and his subsequent dedication to promoting devotion to the Virgin Mary and the rosary. He became a Dominican tertiary, taking the name Rosario, and is celebrated for his extensive charitable works and the establishment of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei.
Early Life and Conversion
Born into a devout Catholic family in Latiano, Longo pursued a career in law, studying at the University of Naples. During the tumultuous period of Italian unification and the rise of spiritualism, he became involved with Satanism and was reportedly ordained as a Satanic priest. A period of intense spiritual struggle and depression followed, during which he was befriended by Dominican friar Alberto Radente and religious sister Caterina Volpicelli. They introduced him to the rosary and devotion to the Virgin Mary, leading to his decisive return to the Catholic Church. On October 7, 1871, he became a Dominican tertiary, renouncing his involvement with spiritualism.
Founding the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei and Charitable Works
Longo moved to Pompei to manage the affairs of a friend and was dismayed by the prevalent superstition and lack of catechesis among the local population. Inspired by a vision and the promise of the Blessed Virgin, he resolved to promote public devotion to the rosary as a means to lead people back to faith. With the support of Countess Mariana Farnararo De Fusco, he began restoring a dilapidated church, which eventually became the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei. The site gained renown through alleged miracles and became a major pilgrimage destination. Following Pope Leo XIII's suggestion, Longo and the Countess married in 1885, living in a Josephite marriage while collaborating on numerous charitable initiatives, including schools and homes for orphans and the children of prisoners.
Legacy and Recognition
Bartolo Longo continued to promote the rosary until his death in 1926. His efforts in organizing a petition for world peace led to his nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1902 and 1903. In recognition of his spiritual writings and contributions, his cause for canonization was opened, and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 26, 1980, who referred to him as the "Apostle of the Rosary." Pope Francis approved his canonization, which was formally carried out by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bartolo Longo?
Bartolo Longo was an Italian lawyer who converted from Satanism to Catholicism. He became a Dominican tertiary and dedicated his life to promoting devotion to the rosary and the Virgin Mary.
What is Bartolo Longo most famous for?
He is most famous for founding the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei in Italy. He also established numerous charitable works, including schools and homes for orphans.
What was Bartolo Longo's connection to Satanism?
In his youth, Bartolo Longo was ordained as a Satanic priest while studying law at the University of Naples. He later renounced spiritualism and returned to the Catholic faith.
When was Bartolo Longo beatified and canonized?
Bartolo Longo was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 26, 1980. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025.
Was Bartolo Longo nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?
Yes, Bartolo Longo was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1902 and 1903. The nominations recognized his efforts in organizing a petition drive for world peace and his involvement in social and humanitarian issues.
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