Anastasio Ballestrero was an Italian cardinal and a member of the Discalced Carmelites who held several significant leadership roles within the Catholic Church. Born in Genoa in 1913, he entered his religious order in 1928 and was ordained a priest in 1936. Throughout his ecclesiastical career, he served as the Archbishop of Bari and later as the Archbishop of Turin. He also played a central role in the Italian hierarchy, serving as the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
Ecclesiastical career
After his ordination, Ballestrero rose through the ranks of the Discalced Carmelites, eventually serving as the General Provost of his order. His episcopal service included leadership in Bari starting in 1973, followed by his appointment to Turin in 1977. During his tenure, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He stepped down from his position in Turin in 1989.
Veneration and death
Ballestrero passed away in Ameglia in 1998 and was laid to rest in Varazze. He is recognized as a servant of God, and the process for his beatification was officially initiated in 2014. His feast day is observed on June 21, the anniversary of his death.