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Suffragan diocese Melfi–Rapolla–Venosa, Italy

Diocese of Melfi–Rapolla–Venosa

Melphien(sis)-Rapollen(sis)-Venusin(us)

The Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa is a Latin rite see in Basilicata, Italy, suffragan to the Archdiocese of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo. It took its current combined name from the historic sees of Melfi, Rapolla, and Venosa, and is led by Bishop Ciro Fanelli.

On the map

Esri
The address the register holds for Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, in Melfi–Rapolla–Venosa, Italy.

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Established
1059
Catholics
79,000
Priests
27
Territory
1,316 km²

Parishes and churches

33 listed churches in our records. Open a parish for Mass times, confession, directions and sources where recorded.

This is our recorded coverage, not an official diocesan parish count. Confirm service times with the parish before travelling.

The bishop

Bishop
Ciro Fanelli
Born
2 October 1964
Birthplace
Lucera

Explore the ministry of the bishop.

The cathedral

Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta stands in Melfi–Rapolla–Venosa, the church that holds the cathedra from which this see takes its name.

Its co-cathedral is Concattedrale di Sant'Andrea (Venosa); Concattedrale di San Michele Arcangelo.

On what a cathedral is, see the cathedral; every see church on earth is gathered at the cathedrals.

History

In Basilicata, southern Italy, the Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa (Latin: Dioecesis Melphiensis-Rapollensis-Venusina, Italian: Diocesi di Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa) took its present shape in 1986, when the historic Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla was joined with the Diocese of Venosa. It is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo, and the Abbey of the Santissima Trinità at Venosa falls within its bounds.

This see in the wire

Stories that name this see

The wire's resolver matched this see in the text of each story.

Filed by the see itself

Published on the see's own news feed. A diocese reports on the whole Church, so these are often about somewhere else.

  • Pope Leo XIV releases message for 112th World Migrant and Refugee Day

    Sep 25, 2026 · Life & Family · 4 sources

  • Bishop Ciro Fanelli appointed to Migration Commission

    Bishop Ciro Fanelli has been appointed as a member of the Migration Commission by the Permanent Council of the Italian Episcopal Conference. The Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa announced the appointment on September 24, 2026, following the decision made by the Council on September 23. Bishop Fanelli stated he intends to bring the perspective of the Basilicata region to the commission, specifically focusing on the needs of migrants, refugees, minors, and families. In his announcement, Bishop Fanelli thanked Davide Carbonaro, the president of the Basilicata Episcopal Conference, as well as his fellow bishops and the people of his diocese for their support.

    Sep 24, 2026 · Bishops

  • Card. Zuppi introduces Consiglio permanente dei vescovi italiani to Pope Leo XIV

    Sep 24, 2026 · Bishops · 9 sources

  • Bishop Ciro Fanelli appointed to CEI Migration Commission

    Bishop Ciro Fanelli has been appointed to the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) Commission for Migrations. The announcement was made during a meeting of the CEI Permanent Council. Fanelli currently serves as the bishop of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa. Archbishop Davide Carbonaro, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo, stated that the appointment is an important role for the Italian Church because migration issues require attention and responsibility from local communities. Carbonaro expressed confidence that Fanelli will contribute his pastoral experience and sensitivity to the commission.

    Sep 23, 2026 · Bishops

  • Bishop Ciro Fanelli invites to Diocesan Assembly

    Bishop Ciro Fanelli invited priests, religious, deacons, pastoral council members, and laypeople to a diocesan assembly held at the Church of San Gerardo in Rionero on September 18, 2026. The assembly served as a preparatory step for the first diocesan synod, which is scheduled for October 11, 2026. In his message, Bishop Fanelli described the gathering as a way for the community to walk together and listen to the Gospel to better understand their identity as a Church.

    Sep 18, 2026 · Dioceses

21 stories in the wire either name this see or come from its own feed. Read the wire.