Pope Francis Advances Beatification of Salvo D’Acquisto

Vatican City: Pope Francis has made a significant decision to advance the beatification process of Salvo D’Acquisto, an Italian Carabinieri police official known for his heroic sacrifice during World War II. The Vatican announced this development as Pope Francis is currently receiving treatment for double pneumonia at the Agostino Gemelli hospital.

According to Ansa News Agency, the decision was made during an audience held on Monday, where Pope Francis met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Monsignor Edgar Pena Parra, the Substitute for General Affairs. During this audience, the pontiff authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate various decrees, one of which concerns the “offering of life” of the Servant of God, Salvo D’Acquisto.

D’Acquisto was born in Naples on October 15, 1920, and served as a member of the Italian Carabinieri during the Second World War. At the age of 18, he embarked on his career as a Carabinieri officer, and by November 1940, he was stationed in Libya, serving there until September 1942. Following his return to Italy, he was appointed deputy commander of the rural police station in Torrimpietra, near Rome.

In September 1943, amid the turmoil following Italy’s armistice and the occupation by Nazi forces, D’Acquisto found himself at the center of a tragic incident. A box of ammunition at a military base in Torre di Palidoro exploded, resulting in the death of two German soldiers. German officials, suspecting foul play, detained 22 locals, accusing them of sabotage.

D’Acquisto conducted an investigation and determined the explosion was accidental. Despite his efforts to convince the Nazi commander of this, the Germans decided to exact revenge. In a selfless act, D’Acquisto claimed responsibility for the explosion to spare the lives of the detainees. He was subsequently executed by firing squad.

In recognition of his bravery, D’Acquisto was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor by Italian military authorities on February 15, 1945. The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints noted that his strong Christian values, instilled by his family, and his moral integrity were evident throughout his military service. His story continues to inspire admiration and reverence.