Franco Anelli, rector of the Catholic University of Milan, has died

Is dead Franco Anelli, rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan. It was the university itself that released a note with the news, adding that the death occurred in “circumstances being investigated”. According to information published by some press outlets (but which have yet to find official confirmation), it was a suicide. Anelli, 61 years old, had been rector of the university since 2013 and was about to conclude his third term at the top of the university: it would have expired in the next few weeks. He was for a long time a full professor of civil law and private law, as well as a cassation lawyer, starting his studies in the Faculty of Law at the Catholic University. In 2022 Anelli was appointed consultant of the Congregation for Catholic Education by Pope Francis.

“I learned with deep pain and shock of the passing of the Rector of the Catholic University. I am close to the entire academic community and to the Agostino Gemelli IRCSS University Polyclinic Foundation to which Professor Anelli dedicated his entire life. I express my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones“, the Minister of University and Research wrote on her social media profiles Anna Maria Bernini. “I share in the pain of the Catholic University and the Agostino Gemelli Irccs Polyclinic Foundation for the tragic passing of the Magnificent Rector, Prof. Franco Anelli. In this moment of dismay, on behalf of the Italian Episcopate, I express condolences to his mother, to his loved ones and to the entire community of the University and the Polyclinic, to which he dedicated his existence”, is the message spread by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

Condolence was also expressed by all political parties. “Sad by this tragic news. I offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones and to the Catholic University”, wrote the deputy prime minister and leader of the League Matteo Salvini. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Franco Anelli, lawyer, esteemed jurist and rector of the Catholic University of Milan“, commented the President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa. “A person of profound humanity who dedicated his life with great passion to the education of young people according to the principles of Catholic education. To his loved ones, to the entire University and to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Foundation, to which he was deeply attached, my most sincere condolences go to him”, added the second state official.

“I have learned the tragic news of the death of the rector of the Catholic University of Milan, Franco Anelli, a brilliant scholar of private law, dear friend and colleague”, wrote the president of the Five Star Movement Giuseppe Conte in X. “I still remember the last meeting in ‘his’ university: last year on the occasion of the seminar organized by the students of the Diplomats’ Club. He leaves us a cultured person of great human and moral depth. I personally and the community of the Five Star Movement are moved by the pain of his loved ones“.

I express my condolences for the passing of the Rector of the Catholic University of Milan, Franco Anelli, with whom I had numerous opportunities to collaborate. My moved thoughts go to his family, to the entire community of the Catholic University, teachers and students, and to all those who loved him”, is the message of the former prime minister and leader of the Ulivo Romano Prodi.

“I would like to express deep condolences for the passing of the rector Franco Anelli, a fine jurist, a man of profound culture and rare sensitivity who dedicated his work and his entire life to university activity and the education of new generations. I participate in the mourning that has struck the Catholic University and the Agostino Gemelli Irccs University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome”, said Antonella Polimeni, rector of the Sapienza University of Rome.