Pope accepts resignation of Bishop Guido Gallese

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Guido Gallese from the pastoral care of the diocese of Alessandria, Italy. The Holy See simultaneously appointed Bishop Luigi Testore, the bishop of Acqui, as the apostolic administrator for the diocese.

Gallese, 64, has led the diocese since 2012. His resignation follows an apostolic visitation into diocesan governance conducted by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, the retired president of the Governorate of Vatican City State. Catholic World News noted that relations between Gallese and his priests had deteriorated.

Upon his resignation, Gallese stated that stepping back can be an act of courage and humility for the good of a community. Following the transition, Archbishop Rino Fisichella appointed Gallese as the ecclesiastical assistant of Italy's national shrine association.