Requiescat in Pace: Fr. Matteo Balzano

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, Fr. Matteo Balzano, a 35-year-old priest from the Diocese of Novara, Italy, was found dead in the parish rectory of Cannobio. He took his own life.

The tragic loss of a priest forces us to pause and reflect. Behind the collar lies a man. Priests are human beings, like all of us. We all have the same needs, struggles, and limits.

One Facebook post summarizes the sad news, stating that the communities they serve expect everything from them—perfect behavior, constant availability, and endless patience—without offering understanding, rest, or emotional support in return. Priests are expected to be “immune to loneliness, pain, and exhaustion just because they’re “men of God.” But they are not. They feel deeply. And when they are neglected, criticized constantly, or made to feel invisible, the weight becomes too much. Sometimes, sadly, they break.”

The question on everyone’s mind is how the priest took his life and why. Yet, we must also do something.

We must ask ourselves: how do we treat our priests? Do we support them as much as we judge them? Do we ever thank them, or let them know they’re loved?

A simple word of kindness, a smile, or a moment of real connection can mean everything. Because the worst kind of loneliness isn’t being alone—it’s feeling unseen, even while surrounded by people.

St. Therese once remarked that Satan hopes that a priest will fail in his duties. She wants us to be sure to pray that every priest overcomes the snares and spiritual attacks from Satan. 

Let’s ensure that every priest is never alone. Be sure to be there when the going gets rough. Always check on them. Sometimes, they can reach a breaking point and need someone just as we need them. 

For the soul of Father Matteo Salzano, eternal rest, grant unto him, o Lord. And let the perpetual light, shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen