Agostino Superbo (7 February 1940 – 2 August 2026) was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Potenza–Muro Lucano–Marsico Nuovo from 2001 until his retirement in 2015. Previously, he was the Bishop of Sessa Aurunca (1991–1994), Bishop of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti (1994–1997) and a General Ecclesiastical Assistant of Italian Catholic Action (1996–2001).[1]
Early life, education and priestly ministry
Superbo was born on 7 February 1940 in Minervino Murge, Apulia. He was ordained a priest on 29 June 1963 by Bishop Francesco Brustia after completing his ecclesiastical studies at the Pontifical Theological Seminary of Southern Italy and the University of Bari.[2][1]
After his ordination, Superbo served from 1964 as a teacher of literature at the diocesan seminary in Andria. He was subsequently parochial vicar at the parish of the Santissima Annunziata, vice assistant to the diocesan youth section of Italian Catholic Action, and secretary to the Bishop of Andria.[2]
From 1971 to 1985 he served in the Diocese of Andria as rector of the diocesan seminary, teacher of religion in state schools, and professor of philosophy and theology at the Institute of Religious Sciences. He was also appointed regional assistant for Apulia to the Catholic Action Student Movement. In 1977 he was named a Chaplain of His Holiness. From 1985 to 1991 he was rector of the Regional Seminary of Molfetta and professor of philosophy there.[2]
Episcopal ministry
On 18 May 1991, Pope John Paul II appointed Superbo as Bishop of Sessa Aurunca. He received episcopal consecration on 29 June 1991 from Cardinal Michele Giordano.[1]
On 19 November 1994 he was transferred to the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti. Within the Italian Episcopal Conference he served as a member of the Episcopal Commission for Catholic Education, Culture, Schools and Universities and of the ecclesial commission Iustitia et Pax. On 18 May 1996 he was appointed General Ecclesiastical Assistant of Italian Catholic Action. He also served as president of the Episcopal Commission for the Laity and as ecclesiastical assistant to the Forum of Catholic Action.[2][3]
On 6 August 1997, Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation as Bishop of Altamura–Gravina–Acquaviva delle Fonti, and Superbo was concentrated at his service as the General Ecclesiastical Assistant of Italian Catholic Action.[4]
Archbishop of Potenza
On 9 January 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed Superbo Archbishop of Potenza–Muro Lucano–Marsico Nuovo, succeeding Ennio Appignanesi.[2]
During his episcopate he also held several positions within the Italian Episcopal Conference, including responsibilities related to clergy and ecclesiastical life. He retired on 5 October 2015 upon reaching the canonical age limit and was succeeded by Salvatore Ligorio.[5]
Later life and death
In June 2023, Superbo celebrated the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination in his hometown of Minervino Murge. The celebration included a Solemn Mass attended by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro.[6]
Superbo died in Andria on 2 August 2026 at the age of 86.[7]
References
- 1.[1.2][1.3]"Archbishop Agostino Superbo". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- 2.[2.2][2.3][2.4][2.5]"Rinunce e Nomine, 9 gennaio 2001". Holy See Press Office. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- 3."Nomine". Conferenza Episcopale Italiana. 23 May 1996. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- 4."Rinunce e Nomine, 6.08.1997". Holy See Press Office. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- 5."Rinunce e Nomine, 5.10.2015". Holy See Press Office. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- 6."Mons. Agostino Superbo celebra il 60º anniversario di sacerdozio a Minervino, atteso il card. Semeraro". MinervinoLive.it. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- 7."Lutto nella Chiesa pugliese: è morto mons. Agostino Superbo". AndriaLive.it. 2 August 2026. Retrieved 3 August 2026.