breaking: Vatican Delegation Joins Prayer at Valentino Garavani’s Funeral Chamber in Rome
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Rome, January 22, 2026 — A formal delegation from the Vatican’s Missionary Dicastery attended the funeral chamber of fashion icon Valentino Garavani today, sharing a moment of prayer and consolation with the designer’s family.
The delegation included Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, deputy Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, along with Mgr. Sergio Bertocchi and Sister Benedetta Chinellato.
The tribute took place at Palazzo Valentino, the historic Roman headquarters of the fashion house and the garavani-Giammetti Foundation. The premises sit beside the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide, near Piazza Mignanelli.
Valentino Garavani’s foundation premises are described as property of the Dicastery for Evangelization, reflecting a long-standing connection between the label and the Vatican body.The visiting officials conveyed condolences to the family and to Valentino’s longtime collaborator Giancarlo Giammetti. Archbishop Sangalli led a brief moment of prayer and blessed the casket.
Mgr. bertocchi will represent the Dicastery at the funeral Mass scheduled for Friday, January 23 at 11:00 a.m.at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the martyrs in Rome (Piazza della Repubblica, 8).
Valentino Garavani, born Valentino Ludovico Clemente Garavani in Voghera on May 11, 1932, is celebrated as a cornerstone of haute couture and the Made in Italy movement. He moved to Paris at seventeen to study at a premier couture school and began collaborating with major fashion houses. In 1959,he presented his first collection in Rome and soon founded his own fashion house.His 1962 showcase at Pitti Moda in Florence marked a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.
A global icon, Garavani dressed countless celebrities and expanded boutiques to major capitals including New York, Paris, and Tokyo. He earned numerous honors, such as the French Legion of Honor, and collaborated with renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, who produced a portrait in his honor.
key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Funeral chamber visit and prayer for Valentino Garavani |
| Location | Palazzo Valentino, Piazza Mignanelli, Rome |
| Date | January 22, 2026 |
| Delegation | Archbishop Samuele Sangalli; Mgr. Sergio Bertocchi; Sister Benedetta chinellato |
| Funeral Mass | january 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, Rome |
| Foundations | Garavani-Giammetti Foundation; property of the Dicastery for Evangelization |
| Birth | May 11, 1932, Voghera, italy |
| Death | January 19, 2026, Rome |
Evergreen outlook
Valentino’s influence transcends fashion. His career helped elevate Italian couture on the world stage and reinforced the Made in Italy ethos that remains a touchstone for luxury brands today. Through iconic designs, celebrity partnerships, and strategic retail presence in New york, Paris, and Tokyo, his legacy continues to shape contemporary design and consumer culture.
The involvement of religious and cultural institutions in memorials for prominent public figures underscores the intersection of art, faith, and memory, highlighting how fashion can reflect broader social narratives while honoring individual contributions.
Reader engagement
What lasting impact do you believe Valentino’s work will have on today’s fashion and design landscape?
In what ways can religious and cultural institutions collaborate to celebrate creative icons while engaging diverse audiences?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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