On Tuesday, 10 February 2026, a representation of the Delegation of Tuscia and Sabina of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, led by the Delegate, Nob. Avv. Roberto Saccarello, Knight Grand Cross of Jure Sanguinis with Gold Star, attended the funeral liturgy for their confrère Pietro Bevilacqua in Viterbo, Italy at the Abbazia di San Martino al Cimino.

The rite, celebrated at 12:00 noon, was presided over by Father Luca Scuderi, Episcopal Vicar for Family and Life Ministry, with concelebrants including the Vicar General Father Luigi Fabbri, representing the Bishop of Viterbo, Father Fabrizio Pacelli, Parish Priest of San Martino al Cimino, Father Alfredo Cento, Episcopal Delegate for the Chivalric Orders, and Father Emanuele Germani, Constantinian Chaplain of Merit.

Representatives of chivalric orders, religious and lay associations, and the Catholic press were present, along with many ordinary citizens who had crossed paths with Pietro Bevilacqua—journalist and a leading figure in the cultural and social life of Viterbo—paying tribute with deep affection and heartfelt emotion.

Confrère Bevilacqua died on 8 February 2026. On 30 January, shortly before a delicate heart operation, he had asked for prayers. The Delegate had therefore appealed to the Knights and Dames of the Delegation with these words:

“I kindly ask you all for a remembrance in prayer to Our Lady Liberatrice for our confrère Pietro Bevilacqua, who on Tuesday, 3 February, must undergo a delicate heart operation. Thank you.”

Chiara Frontini, Mayor of Viterbo, wrote in a statement:

“Pietro Bevilacqua has left us. A Viterbese known and esteemed both personally and professionally. Journalist, university lecturer, shopkeeper, he always made a valuable contribution in the cultural sphere, especially in music, promoting initiatives for young people. For many years he followed the Sanremo Festival as an accredited journalist in the press room of the Ariston. A ‘familiar’ Viterbese, who lived the historic center and its people. To his family, on my own behalf and that of the City of Viterbo, I offer our most heartfelt condolences.”

The funeral

During the funeral at the abbey, filled with citizens for the final farewell, Father Scuderi said:

“We are here in such numbers to thank you, Pietro, to thank you for your life. In our lives we pass through many moments, and some experiences do not depend on us. In 1999 you were struck by leukemia. What matters is how we react to difficulties. And you reacted with great spirit, giving hope to yourself and to others. You were passionate about Heaven. For you, your grandchildren were like your children, and your great-grandchildren like your grandchildren. You lived a full life—a life full of love. Today we feel gratitude for you.

The image I hold most in my heart is your devotion, your gratitude to Mary, your daily rosary. Salt, if thrown away, loses its flavor. You, Pietro, were not thrown away. The time you gave was not wasted. Each of us knew a different Pietro: in the religious, journalistic, musical, and associative worlds. We should not worry about when life ends, but about not being salt or light in the world. You were light, salt, a friend and colleague to many. Above all, you were faithful—faithful to your values, your teachings, and yourself. You were light for many of us. We thank you for your life, for being salt for the earth.”

Before concluding, Father Scuderi reflected on the photograph of Bevilacqua placed on the coffin:
“This photo expresses better than any words the ‘salt’ Pietro put into his life. With this smile we must remember and celebrate him.”

By the family’s wish, all offerings collected will be donated to the Nadia Salcini Foundation, which supports scientific research into leukemia and provides assistance to those suffering from the disease—an act of generosity and love that continues to express the deep values of a life lived for and with love.

Photograph above:

A historical photograph shows Gerhard Ludwig Müller, then Bishop of Regensburg (2002–2012), today Cardinal and Grand Prior of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, with the Delegate and several Knights of the Delegation of Tuscia and Sabina, including Knight Pietro Bevilacqua at the far right.

The photo was taken on 13 November 2004 at the Basilica di Santa Croce al Flaminio, on the occasion of the Prelate’s investiture as Chaplain Grand Cross of Merit by the Grand Master of the Order, the late Infante Carlos of Spain, Prince of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, father of Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, who succeeded him in all titles and dynastic responsibilities.

Photographs below (from left to right):  Pietro Bevilaqua;  photo of Pietro Bevilaqua atop his coffin; some members of the Order at the funeral; celebrants of the funeral Mass