Mattarella: "Attacking where people pray and hunger breeds hatred."

The Head of State spoke today from Tesero in Trentino-Alto Adige, at the ceremony marking the fortieth anniversary of the Stava massacre. Then, speaking in Rovereto, also in Trentino, during a visit to the Bell of the Fallen, Mattarella emphasized how, with recent "wars of territorial annexation" or wars in which "shooting and killing takes place in places of worship or where food and water are distributed," "shadows" that "belonged to the dark ages" are resurfacing.

Mattarella recalled Don Antonio Rossaro's "insight," a hundred years ago, to cast the Maria Dolens bell from the cannons of all the countries that had taken part in the First World War, as a sign of peace. "This return," he said, alluding to his previous visits, "is precious at this historic moment in international life, when, in complete contrast to the desires, aspirations, and expectations of humanity on every continent, in every part of the world, shadows are re-emerging that were thought to no longer have any place or presence: those who believe they can reintroduce wars of territorial annexation that belonged to the dark ages of past centuries, or those who think they can restore the domination of the strong over the weak, or those who think they can bomb civilians in their homes, or when we witness the massacre of young people intent on celebrating while listening to music."

"In this situation," the Head of State continued, "we no longer limit ourselves to the sad task of attacking opposing soldiers, but we also shoot and kill in places of worship, in places where water is distributed to the thirsty and bread to the hungry, and we attack rescue workers who are helping the wounded."

"All this creates a radical contrast," Mattarella emphasized, "not only with humanity's expectations, but also risks introducing a spiral of resentment, hatred, and opposition that in turn constantly generates further violence. This is why this return to Maria Dolens is important. This condition urges us to relaunch the message that began here 100 years ago. A state of hope to which humanity aspires and which must prevail over what is happening and what we sadly witness." "What is happening often generates disorientation in international life and also in people's daily lives, which is why—I repeat—this return here is precious. May the tolling of Maria Dolens express not only renewed sorrow for what is happening, but also, and above all, we are convinced, a message of peace and hope."