Two thousand mourners, hailing from across Sicily and beyond, packed the Santa Maria della Stella square in Militello Val di Catania for the funeral of showman Pippo Baudo. The church was filled to capacity for the emotional final farewell to the artist, who had requested to be buried in his beloved Sicilian homeland.
Baudo’s children, Alessandro and Tiziana, led the mourners in the front row, joined by his grandchildren, his longtime assistant Dina Minna, and a host of friends from the entertainment world and his private life. The Bishop of Caltagirone, Monsignor Calogero Peri, opened the ceremony, stating, “We wish for you to shine as a star not only in the firmament of men, as you already do, but even more brightly, and above all, in that of God.”
The ceremony was attended by numerous institutional figures, including Senate President Ignazio La Russa, Minister Adolfo Urso, Undersecretary for Culture Gianmarco Mazzi, Sicilian Governor Renato Schifani, and the President of the Sicilian Assembly, Gaetano Galvagno. Eulogies remembered Baudo not only for his artistic profile but also for his profound humanity, his strong sense of justice, and his anti-mafia stance, which led to his villa in Acireale being bombed in retaliation.
Baudo’s spiritual father, Don Giulio Albanese, shared in his homily, “Shortly before dying, Pippo confided in me that success—and he, as you know, had so much of it—is not enough to fill the heart. Success is not enough to make you happy! This is a word of truth that resonates in harmony with the Gospel.” He also recounted the poignant moment of Baudo’s last communion, noting the artist wept and said “thank you” three times. Don Albanese paid tribute to Dina Minna, calling her Baudo’s “true guardian angel” throughout his illness.
The service highlighted Baudo’s legacy as a generous and discreet man, remembered for his ability to connect with the public, give a platform to artists, and maintain sincere relationships. Singer Gigi D’Alessio recalled 25 years of memories, saying he would miss Baudo’s fatherly advice. A tearful Al Bano spoke of a “triple emotion” while revisiting their shared history.
Militello’s Mayor, Giovanni Burtone, emotionally stated, “Pippo Baudo is like family to us, deeply tied to our community, so the grief is profound.” He confirmed Baudo’s wish to be buried there. The town observed a official day of mourning, with shops closing their shutters as a sign of respect—a community that considered Baudo one of their own, just as the thousands who paid their respects at viewings in Rome and Militello had.
A long round of applause greeted the exit of the coffin from the sanctuary at the funeral’s conclusion. Baudo’s body was then taken to the family chapel in the Militello cemetery. Reflecting the public sentiment, Governor Schifani said, “Sicily today paid homage to one of its most illustrious sons. Our land is deeply grateful to him, and the presence of thousands of people at his funeral is the highest testament to the affection and esteem that surrounded him.”
© Copyright ANSA – All rights reserved