Fr. Luciano Felloni passes away at 51

Fr. Luciano Felloni, an Argentinian missionary priest known for his support of drug rehabilitation efforts during the Duterte administration’s drug war, passed away at 51 due to skin cancer.

The Diocese of Novaliches announced that Felloni died on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

“With deep sorrow and profound gratitude, we announce the passing of Rev. Fr. Luciano Ariel Felloni, a beloved priest, shepherd, and servant of God,” the diocese said in a Facebook post. 

“He returned to the loving arms of our Father in heaven at 6:45 in the evening, on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord—a day of light and offering, reflecting the very essence of his life and ministry.”

According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Felloni died at a Metro Manila hospital. He first revealed his battle with skin cancer in November 2024.

Felloni arrived in the Philippines in the early 2000s and served at the Mother of Divine Providence Parish in Payatas, Quezon City. During the height of the drug war, he led a parish-based rehabilitation program for drug dependents.

He also founded AlmuSalita—a combination of “almusal” (breakfast) and “salita” (word)—an online platform offering daily Gospel reflections.

The Diocese of Novaliches asked for prayers for Felloni and his loved ones, with further announcements to follow. — DVM, GMA Integrated News