Following the closure of the lying-in-state at Rome’s Teatro delle Vittorie and a final blessing, the remains of iconic Italian presenter Pippo Baudo have begun their journey to his birthplace, Militello in Val di Catania. The funeral procession departed from the Prati district amidst honors from law enforcement, applause from gathered mourners, and the playing of his signature tune, “Donna Rosa.” The cortege also passed by the late broadcaster’s offices on Via della Giuliana.
The hearse is set to travel approximately 850 kilometers by road and ferry across the Strait of Messina throughout the afternoon, with an expected evening arrival at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella in Militello, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. The organization of the transfer was reportedly coordinated with the Ministry of the Interior for public order and security. Baudo’s long-time collaborator, Dina Minna, is following in a separate vehicle.
In Militello, where a day of public mourning has been declared for tomorrow, a lying-in-state will be set up in the church from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The sanctuary will reopen at 3:30 p.m. for family, authorities, fellow artists, and accredited journalists to attend the funeral. Members of the public will be admitted based on remaining capacity within the church. National broadcaster RAI will provide live coverage starting at 3:30 p.m., and a large screen is expected to be set up outside for the many anticipated mourners from across the province and region.
Trenitalia has augmented its service with additional buses from the central stations of Catania, Militello, and Gela to facilitate travel. The funeral rites will commence at 4:00 p.m., presided over by the Bishop of Caltagirone, Monsignor Calogero Peri. A security service will be in place to manage the large expected turnout. Following the ceremony, Baudo’s coffin will be transferred to the Militello cemetery for entombment in the family plot alongside his parents.