Giovanni Giuseppe Bonzi

After his ordination, Father Umile obtained a doctorate in Thomistic philosophy at the Academy of Saint Thomas in 1927, followed by a doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1928. Upon returning to Genoa, he taught from 1928 to 1945 at the Capuchin Theological Studio, wrote theological works, dedicated himself to preaching, and held various diocesan offices. In 1929, he was appointed vice-postulator for the canonization cause of Blessed Francesco da Camporosso. After the Second World War, moved by the distress of orphaned or abandoned children, he founded the 'Sorriso Francescano' (Franciscan Smile) assistance work in 1945 within the Capuchin convent of Genoa. To fund it, he begged daily in the streets. The work expanded to Savona and La Spezia. In 1948, Cardinal Giuseppe Siri established it as a religious foundation. In 1946, he also founded the women's association that would become the congregation of the Little Handmaids of the Child Jesus (Piccole Ancelle del Bambino Gesù), canonically erected in 1957. On January 26, 1960, Italian President Giovanni Gronchi awarded him the Gold Medal for Merit in Elementary Education and Childcare.

The traumas and suffering experienced during the bombings of Genoa during the war left Father Umile with psychological and emotional aftereffects that sometimes made his interpersonal relationships and his dealings with his religious superiors complex. Despite these tensions, he benefited from the constant support and absolute trust of the Archbishop of Genoa, Cardinal Giuseppe Siri. Father Umile passed away on February 9, 1969, in Genoa, at the Villa Piuma in Coronata, where he had established his first shelter. After his death, his reputation for holiness remained very vivid in Genoa. His mortal remains were transferred to the church of the Santissima Concezione in Genoa, next to the chapel of the 'Holy Father' (Francesco da Camporosso). The cause for beatification was officially introduced in the diocese of Genoa. The decree of validity for the diocesan inquiry was promulgated on June 1, 2001, by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

On August 5, 2022, Pope Francis authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thus conferring upon him the title of Venerable.

Current status: Venerable. For his beatification to be pronounced, the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession is required.

Father Umile's life was centered on a deep faith and continual prayer. His motto, which he wrote in capital letters at the beginning of each of his letters, was: 'GOD ALONE AND HIS LOVE' (Dio solo e il suo amore). His charity was expressed through a total abandonment to Divine Providence, in the image of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Today, the 'Sorriso Francescano' Foundation continues its work with minors in difficulty, separated families, and students in Genoa and throughout Liguria. The Father Umile da Genova Museum, located in Genoa-Coronata (in Villa Piuma), preserves his writings, his personal objects, and traces the history of this post-war charitable work.