On the night of January 14th, 2024, he fell asleep in the Lord, his whole life having been given in answer to the call to the priesthood, which he received while still a child.

As intelligent as he was modest, he demanded high standards of himself, but never imposed them on others. He was both a doctor of Church History and an accomplished cook, knowledgeable and down-to-earth, hard-working and generous. He was reluctant to accept praise or put himself forward, preferring to keep a low profile. He had the ability to engage positively with all classes of society, and was gentlemanly with whoever approached him.

As a man of broad and deep culture, capable both of rigorous analysis and enlightening synthesis, and of great intellectual honesty, he never confused the scientific achievements of different disciplines, accepting them even when they diverged, aware always of the need for further investigation, even if that should lead to their invalidation. He was a keen observer of our current times across the most diverse fields, displaying a clarity of judgement acquired from his knowledge of history.

A Capuchin Franciscan at heart, he grew steadily in the knowledge of St Francis, of Franciscanism and Church History. He was a theologian with all-round competence, from Patristics to Fundamental Theology and Liturgy.

He drew together the religious experiences of the Islamic and Eastern worlds, recognising their achievements in spirituality.

His love for the Lord Jesus led him into an in-depth study of the Holy Shroud, becoming recognised as one of the most reliable scholars on this subject. A discerning and enthusiastic music lover, he played piano and organ, and was well-versed in the figurative arts, too. Through his intelligent use of photography, he assembled an invaluable documentary resource. A computer expert, he has left behind digital records that remain a testament to his life and work.

P. Stefano Dubini, Order of Capuchin Friars Minor