Gianfranco Chiti was an Italian military officer and a Franciscan priest who lived from 1921 to 2004. After serving as a highly decorated general in the Italian Army, including a period commanding the Viterbo Military School, he transitioned to religious life in 1978. He joined the Capuchin Order and was ordained a priest in 1982. He is currently recognized as a venerable within the Catholic Church.
Life and service
During his military career, Chiti served as a veteran of the Second World War and held several high-ranking positions. Following his military service, he dedicated himself to the Capuchin Friars. In 1990, he took the initiative to restore the abandoned Saint Crispin convent in Orvieto, converting the site into a place for prayer. He passed away in Rome in 2004.
Veneration
The Catholic Church has recognized Chiti as a servant of God. His cause for beatification began in May 2015, and the diocesan process for his beatification and canonization was formally concluded in Orvieto in March 2019. He is currently held in high regard as a venerable.