Chieti gathered today to honor the memory of Giovanni Palatucci, the last police chief of Fiume, whose brave actions during World War II saved thousands of Jews from Nazi concentration camps. The commemoration took place at 10:00 AM at Largo Donatori di Sangue on Via Principessa di Piemonte, around the flowerbed dedicated to Palatucci, which is maintained by the A.V.I.S.
Present at the event were Chieti's Mayor, Diego Ferrara, Provincial Commander of the Guardia di Finanza, Michele Iadarola, and Lieutenant Colonel Pierluigi Capparè, who represented the Provincial Commander of the Carabinieri. Also attending were Tullio Parlante, President of A.V.I.S. Chieti, Don Angelo Di Rito, the volunteer chaplain of the State Police, and several representatives from the National Police Association's Chieti section, along with students from the secondary school associated with the Convitto “G.B. Vico.”
Giovanni Palatucci was born on May 31, 1909, in Montella (AV). After passing the exams to become a legal representative, he attended the 14th course for Deputy Commissioner of Public Security at the Superior Police School in Rome. His career took him first to Genoa and then to the Police Headquarters of Fiume, where he served as head of the foreigners' office starting November 15, 1937, and later as Acting Police Chief.
From 1938 until 1944, Palatucci distinguished himself by helping numerous Jewish families escape persecution by providing them with travel and residence permits. For these courageous acts, he was arrested by the Gestapo on September 13, 1944, and deported to the Dachau concentration camp, where he tragically died on February 10, 1945.
Recognized for his bravery, Palatucci was honored by Israel as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations” in 1990. Later, the Italian Republic awarded him the Gold Medal for Civil Merit on May 15, 1995, with the following citation: “Police officer, acting head of the Fiume Police Headquarters, he devoted himself to helping thousands of Jews and persecuted citizens, managing to prevent their arrest and deportation. Faithful to his commitment and fully aware of the grave personal risks, he continued his work as leader, patriot, and Christian until his arrest by the Gestapo and deportation to a death camp, where he sacrificed his young life. Dachau, February 10, 1945.”
Palatucci’s commendable actions and sacrifice resonate as important reminders of moral courage against oppression. The Catholic Church recognized him as “Servant of God” in 2004, initiating his beatification process.
The ceremony today serves as a significant occasion to reflect upon the remarkable boldness and sacrifice of Palatucci, whose legacy continues to leave an indelible mark on the fight against Nazi violence and oppression.