Don Ciotti Calls For Truth Amid Mafia Victims' Remembrance

On March 21, 2025, a powerful message resonated through the streets of Trapani during the National Day of Remembrance and Commitment in memory of the victims of the mafia. Don Luigi Ciotti, founder of Libera, delivered a poignant speech highlighting the need to combat the indifference surrounding mafia-related violence.

Don Ciotti began by emphasizing the importance of keeping the memory of the victims alive, stating, "Today is the Day of Remembrance and Commitment to fight against the rhetoric of memory. A memory that must be lived not just once a year but every day. It should become responsibility and commitment." His words echoed through the crowd, which included family members of numerous innocent victims of mafia violence, all seeking justice and the truth about their loved ones.

Tragically, Don Ciotti revealed that "80% of them do not know the truth" about what happened to their families, illustrating the ongoing struggle against the silence and complicity that persists in society. The founder of Libera openly challenged the local and national stakeholders to rise against this silence, asserting, "It is the code of silence that kills the truth." He emphasized that transparency is crucial in breaking free from the grip of organized crime.

As the march commenced, hundreds of family members carried the names of victims, reinforcing the emotional weight of the day. For Don Ciotti, this manifestation was not merely a moment of remembrance; it served as a crucial platform for raising awareness and advocacy. "We are here to confront the indifference that has plagued us for too long," he remarked.

Reflecting on the broader context, 2025 marks significant anniversaries for the anti-mafia movement, including the 60th anniversary of Gruppo Abele, 30 years of Libera, and the 30th edition of the Giornata della Memoria, alongside Don Ciotti's 80th birthday. Since its foundation in 1995, Libera has made strides in promoting social re-utilization of assets seized from the mafia and fostering awareness through educational programs. The organization's noteworthy accomplishments include the establishment of agricultural cooperatives and community resilience projects, such as E!State Liberi!, which engage thousands of young individuals.

Don Ciotti conveyed mixed feelings regarding the progress made thus far. He articulated that while considerable achievements have occurred, there also remain pressing issues, notably the attempts to dismantle essential laws that expose mafia activities. He lamented the weakening response to mafia presence, cautioning against moves to abolish or diminish the significance of oversight and regulations surrounding public procurement and political influence.

Talking about the necessity for sustained vigilance, he stressed, "Corruption is the real national pathology. If we give up fighting it, mafias will find themselves as honored guests in any power palace." This resounding statement aimed to mobilize citizens, underscoring their responsibility in combating organized crime.

Throughout his address, Don Ciotti made clear that real change is dependent upon community involvement. He declared, "We must be more alive, more incisive, and more concrete," calling on Italians to engage actively against the gray areas that allow mafia influence. This proactive stances remain crucial to deter any resurgence of mafia power.

The speeches culminated on a note of hope, where Don Ciotti recognized the essential role the families of victims play in advocating for justice. He acknowledged their pain but also their capacity to offer support to others affected by crime, stating, "Families of victims endure unimaginable sorrow, yet they often find strength in helping others, like criminals serving their sentences. Personal testimonies of loss can profoundly impact those who have crossed paths with crime, leading to remarkable stories of redemption and change."

In closing, Don Ciotti praised the Constitution as a blueprint for societal integrity, referring to it as the first significant anti-mafia text. Additionally, he highlighted the work of NGOs rescuing migrants, and in an impassioned call to action, encouraged attendees to participate in upcoming referendums. His belief that social awareness leads to vital collective action remained the heart of the message throughout the event.

Ultimately, the National Day of Remembrance and Commitment was more than just a memorial; it served as a clarion call for citizens across Italy to confront and dismantle the persistent plague of mafia influence that threatens the very fabric of society. Underlining the significance of this annual event, Don Ciotti reiterated, "We must awaken from the comfort of our daily lives and actively stand against all forms of oppression and injustice."