Don Luigi Ciotti, an Italian priest and anti-mafia activist, has been vocal about the resurgence of mafia activities, emphasizing the need for renewed efforts to combat them. While I couldn’t find a direct quote from Don Ciotti specifically referencing the Capaci massacre in the provided context, his broader work and statements align with the sentiment that “the mafias are back strong, you have to fight them more.” As the founder of Libera, an organization dedicated to fighting organized crime and promoting a culture of legality, Don Ciotti has consistently called for collective action against the mafia, particularly in light of events like the Capaci bombing.
The Capaci massacre, which occurred on May 23, 1992, was a pivotal moment in Italy’s fight against the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra). A car bomb, orchestrated by boss Salvatore “Totò” Riina, killed anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone, his wife Francesca Morvillo, and three police escort agents—Vito Schifani, Rocco Dicillo, and Antonio Montinaro—on the A29 motorway near Capaci, Sicily. The attack, followed by the Via D’Amelio bombing that killed Paolo Borsellino, galvanized public outrage and led to stronger anti-mafia measures, including the Mani Pulite (Clean Hands) operation and stricter laws.
Don Ciotti’s work with Libera builds on the legacy of Falcone and Borsellino, promoting civic engagement and social justice to counter mafia influence. His statements reflect the ongoing challenge of mafia resurgence, as organized crime adapts to new economic and social realities. For instance, Libera’s initiatives, like repurposing mafia-confiscated assets for community use, embody the proactive fight Ciotti advocates. He has emphasized that defeating the mafia requires not just law enforcement but a cultural shift, involving education, community action, and remembrance of victims like those of Capaci.
If you’re looking for a specific instance where Don Ciotti made this exact statement, could you clarify the source or context? I can also search for more recent remarks or actions by Don Ciotti related to the Capaci massacre or mafia resurgence if needed.