Marcello Silvestri has died

Marcello Silvestri, the multifaceted Italian artist inspired by and contemplating the sacred, and leading contemporary interpreter of the Christian tradition, died from cancer in Viterbo on 7 March 2026, aged 80.

The funeral - or "life transfer" as he called it - with a joyful Mass celebrated by friends and relatives, took place at the drug rehabilitation centre Comunità Mondo Nuovo in Tarquinia, where Marcello used to hold his Saturday Bible meditations. The Christian singer-songwriter Rev. Giosy Cento, a close friend with whom Marcello undertook several art and faith projects, led the liturgy together with the centre's founder, deacon Alessandro Diottasi, another long-term friend of Marcello. 

Friends, relatives and fellow citizens took part in this ecumenical inspired funeral, including four evangelical pastors and numerous members of the communities where Marcello and Margherita served together since the 1960s.

At the end of the liturgy, relatives and friends shared testimonies and memories of Marcello, and the song "Gracias a La Vida" (by Mercedes Sosa) was sung, as per Marcello's express wishes. Peach and wild plum blossoms from the Maremma countryside were placed on the coffin, along with Marcello's personal copy of the Jerusalem Bible, a constant source of inspiration for the artist.

Next to the coffin was the painting Nunc Dimittis, created by Marcello in August 2025 in anticipation of his passing. The Latin expression nunc dimittis refers to the Gospel of Luke 2:29-32: "Now, O Lord, you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."

The booklet containing the liturgical texts and songs featured a photo of the painting "The Return" (pictured below), inspired by the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This work was personally chosen by Marcello in anticipation of his passing. A painting by Marcello on the same theme had been on display at the Biennale of Contemporary Sacred Art in Menton in October 2025.