Italy: A priest killed by mafia with a candidate for the glory of altars

Bishop of the Italian Diocese of Aversa announced the launch of the canonical procedure to admit the martyrdom of Fr Giuseppe (Pepe) Diana.

The priest was murdered by the mafia on 19 March 1994 in the sacristy of the parish church in Casal di Principe. Today, the victim of his life was reminded that he had died. in odium fidei (from hatred of faith).

The region of the Italian Campaign, where Fr Pepe Diana worked, is inactive digested by the cancer of organized crime. The latest “Save the Children” study shows that the mafia is inactive very attractive to young people, and that there are presently most young Italians surviving in Catania who are being investigated for ties to the mafia. Fr. Pepe's efforts were focused on children and young people, trying to get them out of the hands of mob clans.

In announcing the start of the process of designation of martyrdom, Fr. Bishop Angelo Spinillo stressed that the character of Fr. Peppe Diana could not be brought solely to the function of "social hero". "His commitment, awareness of the danger and firm opposition to the abuse of the Camorra were a direct expression of his deep priestly vocation," he stressed. He noted that the murdered priest “was the main hero of the redemption of his territory due to the fact that he was a servant of God, carrying out an authentic act of religion which led him to the highest sacrifice: martyrdom.”