As the world appears to be increasingly turning towards violence, Pope Leo XIV has underscored the importance of fundamental values for law enforcement. During a Mass held this Tuesday at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, the pontiff declared: « The Carabinieri’s two weapons to combat crime are the force of the law and honesty. In this way, they will always have the esteem of the Italian people. »

While praying for Carabinieri who died in the line of duty, Leo XIV offered an edifying example to military personnel by citing the Venerable Salvo D’Acquisto, who was awarded the gold medal for military valor and whose cause for beatification is currently underway.

The Pope emphasized that this Italian Carabinier sacrificed himself in 1943 to save 22 innocent civilians from a Nazi execution near Rome. At just 22 years old, Salvo D’Acquisto was shot after taking responsibility for an attack he did not commit—an act of bravery and self-sacrifice that continues to inspire.

Félix Mulumba Kalemba