Cardinal Ruini is dead, goodbye to the strategist who led the Church and Italian politics.

The passing of Cardinal Camillo Ruini marks the end of an influential chapter in both the Catholic Church and Italian political life. Born in 1931 in Sassuolo, Emilia-Romagna, Ruini lived to be 95 years old, passing away on June 16, 2026, in Rome. His death signals the conclusion of a career that spanned decades and left a profound mark on the Church's engagement with Italian society. As former president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) from 1991 to 2007, Ruini was one of the most powerful figures within the Church during a time of significant transformation in Italy’s political landscape.

Throughout his tenure as head of the CEI, Ruini played a pivotal role in shaping the Church’s approach to public issues. He moved beyond traditional alliances with specific political parties after the decline of Christian Democracy, instead advocating for a broader cultural strategy where the Church would assert its influence on ethical matters deemed "non-negotiable." This approach became particularly evident in two major moments: the 2005 referendum on assisted reproduction and the 2007 Family Day protests against civil unions.

In the case of the 2005 referendum, Ruini led a campaign urging Catholics to abstain from voting, which ultimately prevented the required quorum for the law to pass. The legislation, known as Law 40, restricted access to in vitro fertilization and other forms of assisted reproductive technology. This move sparked widespread debate but effectively preserved the existing legal framework aligned with the Church’s moral stance.

Similarly, the 2007 Family Day saw Ruini as the driving force behind large-scale demonstrations defending traditional family values. These protests were aimed at blocking the introduction of civil unions, referred to as Dico (Unions of Civil Cohabitation). The event marked a high point in the Church’s ability to mobilize public opinion on social issues, reinforcing its presence in national discourse.

Despite his strong convictions, Ruini maintained a dialogue with both center-right and center-left political forces. His unwavering adherence to Catholic doctrine often drew criticism from more progressive sectors but also solidified the influence of bishops in Italian politics. One notable example of this was his refusal to allow religious funerals for Piergiorgio Welby, a man who had chosen euthanasia, highlighting his strict interpretation of Catholic teachings on end-of-life issues.

Even in his later years, despite health challenges that confined him to a wheelchair, Ruini remained intellectually sharp and engaged with the evolving cultural and spiritual dynamics of contemporary Italy. In a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, he reflected on his longevity, attributing it to a disciplined lifestyle, genetic factors, and divine providence. He described following a Mediterranean diet, engaging in physical therapy regularly, and maintaining a sense of order in daily life.

The legacy of Ruini’s leadership now faces scrutiny as the CEI grapples with its post-Ruini identity. His tenure was characterized by a clear vision and authoritative voice, which contrast sharply with the current state of the conference. Recent years have seen a shift toward a less cohesive structure, with individual bishops taking more prominent roles, sometimes leading to controversial actions or statements. This fragmentation has raised questions about the effectiveness and unity of the Church’s public engagement in modern Italy.