Fr. Luciano Felloni’s photo on his official X (formerly Twitter) account
MANILA, Philippines — Argentine priest Luciano Felloni, who helped families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) under the Duterte administration’s drug war, died on Sunday. He was 51.
Felloni underwent treatment for skin cancer, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Article continues after this advertisement“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Fr. Luciano Felloni today,” the Facebook post of AlmuSalita by Fr. Luciano Felloni on Sunday night reads.
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION ‘Spies’ were PH residents for decades – BI GLOBALNATION Musk brands USAID 'criminal' as civil service scrutiny grows GLOBALNATION Rubio lays down ultimatum to Panama over canal“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of prayers and support during this time of sorrow,” it added. “Your love and compassion have been a source of strength and comfort to us all.”
CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said he was shocked by the news.
Article continues after this advertisementDavid said Felloni was responding well to treatment despite his failing kidneys.
Article continues after this advertisement“I was stunned when I saw the news about the passing of Fr Luciano in the social media,” David said in a Facebook post on Monday morning. “Although I knew he was critical, the last piece of news that I got was a bit more encouraging—that although his kidneys had failed he somehow responded well to dialysis, and was preparing to be discharged already.”
Article continues after this advertisement“He also suffered from severe Covid-19, and it took many months for him to recover,” he added. “His lung functions had never gone back to normal even after he recovered…I am so saddened by the passing of this young priest who left his country and his religious congregation to serve.”
freeslots comThe CBCP said Felloni first arrived in the Philippines in the early 2000s and was first assigned at the Mother of Divine Providence in Payatas village, one of the poorest areas in Quezon City where an infamous former dumpsite was located.
He then served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Caloocan City, where he led a community-based rehabilitation program for drug users and efforts to look after the widows and orphans of EJK victims during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign, which killed thousands.
READ: Caloocan drug rehab program gives former users new hope
“It was our common experience with EJK during the infamous drug war of the previous government that we found ourselves communicating with each other more often, especially in regard to our common concerns about caring for the widows and orphans of EJK victims,” David said.
Felloni’s most recent assignment was as parish priest at Jesus, Lord of the Divine Mercy Parish in Quezon City’s Mapayapa village.
The Argentine priest first garnered media attention when Pope Francis visited the Philippines in 2015. Felloni personally knew the Holy Father as early as when he was Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires.
“I will not be surprised if Pope Francis will give his family in Argentina a call by phone, especially his mother, to personally express his condolences,” David said.
In a document posted on its website, the DOE said the projects were endorsed to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for a system impact study.
Felloni became a media darling during the Pope’s visit as he testified to the Bishop of Rome’s humility and simplicity, which he had witnessed as a seminarian.
In 2015, he was also interviewed by Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, who were charmed by the priest’s Tagalog’s native-level proficiency.
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READ: Kris Aquino amazed by Fr. Luciano Felloni
Aquino then asked Felloni how long he intended to stay in the country.
“I will stay here until I diefox.game,” Felloni had said. “I love the Philippines.”
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