Plague Has Died But Infection Lingers, Says Italian President Mattarella

Rome: Italian President Sergio Mattarella joined international leaders at Auschwitz on International Holocaust Remembrance Day to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp. On Tuesday, he remarked on the historic significance of the event, which connects the past and future, memory and today’s responsibility. The ceremony was held at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.

According to Ansa News Agency, Mattarella quoted author Primo Levi, emphasizing that Auschwitz is “outside of us, but it is all around us, in the air – the plague has died away, but the infection still lingers.” He described the commemoration as an event that renews a pact between nations during times of violence and war, providing hope amidst adversity.

Mattarella stated that Auschwitz evokes infinite horror and challenges our consciences, but it is not merely a terrible parenthesis; it resides deeply within the human soul. He warned that it remains an insuperable warning and a recurring temptation.

The president highlighted that Auschwitz resulted directly from racial laws issued by the Fascist regime in Italy and the Nazi anti-Jewish fury, marking a dark chapter in human history. Despite the defeat of Nazi-Fascism and the revival of democracies, the wounds are not completely healed.

Quoting Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi, Mattarella discussed the ongoing disquiet generated by the shadows and ghosts of World War II. He emphasized that the suffering of those who died for freedom shaped Italy’s Constitution, which aims to eradicate the principles of the Nazi-Fascist regime.

During his address, Mattarella condemned racial insults on social media directed at Italian Life Senator and Holocaust survivor Liliana Segre. He labeled these actions as grave crimes that must be prosecuted to protect freedom and justice.

Mattarella urged against dejection and expressed confidence in humanity’s future. He called for honesty and courage to prevent dark forces from overshadowing the natural desire for peace, justice, and brotherhood. He urged repeated affirmations, especially in educational and public spaces, of the cry from Auschwitz: “Never again!”