Philippine-based Argentine priest Luciano Felloni, vlogger and drug rehab advocate, passes away

Argentinian priest Luciano Felloni, known for his online evangelization ministry and parish-based rehabilitation program for drug addicts, has passed away.

Father Felloni's death was confirmed by the Diocese of Novaliches, who posted about his passing on the evening of February 2.

“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Fr. Luciano Felloni today,” the Diocese of Novaliches said in a Facebook post. "We are deeply moved by the outpouring of prayers and support during this time of sorrow. Your love and compassion have been a source of strength and comfort to us all."

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the 51-year-old missionary battled with skin cancer, which he first discussed in public in November 2024.

Fr. Felloni arrived in the Philippines in the early 2000s and was first assigned to the Mother of Divine Providence Parish in Payatas, Quezon City.

He established his rehabilitation program for drug users during his stay at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Caloocan City and amid the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Through his counseling sessions, the priest was able to save and reform several people from the drug watchlist of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Kalookan Bishop and CBCP President Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, a staunch drug war critic, honored Fr. Felloni’s legacy.

“I am so saddened by the passing of this young priest who left his country and his religious congregation to serve the local Church of Novaliches in the Philippines,” said the cardinal in a Facebook post.

“It was our common experience with extra-judicial killings (EJK) during the infamous drug war of the previous government that we found ourselves communicating with each other more often, especially in regard to our common concerns about caring for the widows and orphans of EJK victims,” he also said.

Felloni’s most recent assignment was as parish priest of Jesus, Lord of the Divine Mercy Parish in Mapayapa Village, Quezon City.

He gained widespread prominence among Catholics through his vlog, Almusalita, a portmanteau of the Tagalog words “almusal” (breakfast) and “salita” (word).

He quickly grasped the public attention for his touching daily Bible reflections delivered in fluent Filipino.

He also served as social communications director of the Diocese of Novaliches and one of the anchors of Radyo Veritas 846’s Barangay Simbayanan program.