Cannavò was born in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Italy and was ordained a priest on 5 November 1944.

Cannavò was appointed Coadjutor archbishop of the Diocese of Messina on 21 February 1976 and prelate of Santa Lucia del Mela on 21 December 1976.

Cannavò succeeded as archbishop of the Diocese of Messina on 3 June 1977.

Cannavò was appointed to the newly created archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela on 30 September 1986 and retired on 17 May 1997.

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