Giuseppe Diana, often affectionately referred to as “Don Peppe Diana,” was a courageous Roman Catholic priest whose life and legacy continue to resonate, particularly in the fight against organized crime in Italy. Born on July 4, 1958, in Casal di Principe, near Aversa in the Campania region of Italy, his life was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, morality, and the spiritual well-being of his community. Despite his untimely death at the age of 35, his influence endures, making him a symbol of resistance against the mafia, particularly the infamous Camorra.
Early Life and Education
Giuseppe Diana was born into a family of landowners in Casal di Principe. His early years were steeped in the traditions and challenges of rural life, which perhaps shaped his later commitment to social justice. At the tender age of ten, he entered the seminary in Aversa, beginning his journey toward priesthood. His academic prowess became evident as he pursued higher education, earning a diploma from a classical high school before moving on to study theology at the seminary in Posillipo, home to the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Southern Italy.
Diana’s thirst for knowledge did not stop at theology. He furthered his education by obtaining a degree in Biblical Theology and later a degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Naples Federico II. These academic achievements equipped him with a deep understanding of both spiritual and secular matters, which he would later apply in his ministry and activism.
The Path to Priesthood
Giuseppe Diana’s journey to becoming a priest was marked by a deep sense of duty and a desire to serve his community. After completing his theological studies, he joined the Italian Catholic Scouts and Guides Association (AGESCI), which played a significant role in shaping his leadership qualities. His ordination as a priest was not merely a personal milestone but a commitment to a life of service, particularly in the face of the growing influence of organized crime in his hometown.
He was appointed the ecclesiastical assistant of the Aversa Scout Group and later served as the assistant for the “Foulards Bianchi” sector, a branch of the Scouts dedicated to helping the sick and disabled during pilgrimages. These roles allowed him to work closely with the youth of his community, instilling in them the values of courage, honesty, and service—values that he exemplified throughout his life.
A Parish Priest in a Time of Terror
On September 19, 1989, Giuseppe Diana was appointed as the parish priest of the Church of San Nicola di Bari in Casal di Principe. This period was one of intense violence and fear in the Campania region, with the Camorra, particularly the faction led by the notorious boss Francesco Schiavone (nicknamed “Sandokan”), exerting control over much of the local economy and daily life. The Camorra was not just involved in illegal activities but had also infiltrated legitimate economic sectors, becoming a formidable force within the local government and business.
Don Peppe Diana quickly became known for his outspoken opposition to the Camorra’s influence. He viewed the criminal organization not merely as a threat to the law but as a fundamental threat to the moral and spiritual fabric of society. His sermons often addressed the terror imposed by the Camorra, and he was not afraid to confront the criminals head-on. This courage made him a beacon of hope for many in his community, but it also made him a target.
The Famous Christmas Manifesto
One of Don Peppe Diana’s most significant acts of defiance against the Camorra came on Christmas Day in 1991. He authored a letter titled “Per amore del mio popolo” (For the Love of My People), which was read in all the churches of Casal di Principe and the surrounding areas. The letter was a powerful denunciation of the Camorra’s stranglehold on the community. He described the criminal organization as a form of terrorism, seeking to become an endemic part of society by imposing its laws and spreading fear through unacceptable rules and dangerous weapons.
In the manifesto, Don Peppe Diana explicitly condemned the illicit drug trade, the extortion in construction projects, the violent clashes between rival factions, and the growing presence of laboratories of violence in the region. He expressed deep concern for the families who were powerless to protect their children from either becoming perpetrators or victims of the Camorra’s crimes. The letter was not just a critique but a call to action, urging his community to reject the Camorra’s influence and reclaim their dignity and future.
The Assassination and Its Aftermath
Tragically, Don Peppe Diana paid the ultimate price for his bravery. On March 19, 1994, the day of his name day (Saint Joseph’s Day), as he was preparing to celebrate Mass in the sacristy of his church in Casal di Principe, an assassin entered and shot him five times. Two bullets struck his head, one his hand, another his face, and one his neck. His death was instantaneous.
The murder of Don Peppe Diana was a calculated execution, characteristic of the Camorra’s brutal tactics to silence those who opposed them. However, instead of silencing his voice, his assassination sparked outrage and sorrow across Italy. The news of his death spread quickly, prompting a wave of condemnation from all levels of society, including from Pope John Paul II, who expressed his deep sorrow during the Angelus.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Giuseppe Diana’s legacy has continued to grow in the years since his death. He is remembered not just as a martyr who stood up to the mafia but as a symbol of moral courage and the power of faith in the fight against evil. His life and work have been commemorated in various ways, ensuring that his message of justice and resistance lives on.
In 2006, the “Comitato Don Peppe Diana” (Don Peppe Diana Committee) was officially established in Casal di Principe. The committee works to keep his memory alive and to continue his fight against the Camorra. It is involved in various educational and cultural initiatives aimed at promoting legality, social justice, and active citizenship among the youth.
In 2010, the scientific high school in Morcone, a town in the province of Benevento, was named after Don Peppe Diana, further cementing his legacy in the region. His life has also been the subject of artistic and cultural representations. In March 2014, on the 20th anniversary of his death, RAI, the Italian national public broadcasting company, aired a miniseries titled “Per amore del mio popolo” (For the Love of My People), inspired by Don Peppe Diana’s life. The role of Don Peppe was portrayed by the actor Alessandro Preziosi, bringing his story to a broader audience.
The Broader Context of Don Peppe Diana’s Life
To fully appreciate the significance of Giuseppe Diana’s life and legacy, it is essential to understand the broader historical and social context of his time. The Campania region, particularly the province of Caserta where Casal di Principe is located, has long been plagued by the presence of the Camorra. Unlike the more centralized and hierarchical Sicilian Mafia, the Camorra is a collection of clans, each controlling different territories and often engaging in violent conflicts over resources and influence.
By the late 20th century, the Camorra had evolved from a group of street-level criminals into a powerful network deeply embedded in the local economy and politics. Their activities extended beyond traditional criminal enterprises like drug trafficking and extortion to include control over legitimate businesses, public contracts, and even political appointments. This “Camorra imprenditrice” (entrepreneurial Camorra) posed a unique challenge to both law enforcement and civil society.
It was in this environment that Don Peppe Diana emerged as a vocal critic of the Camorra. His work was not just an act of faith but a bold stand against a pervasive system of corruption and violence. His refusal to be silenced by threats or intimidation set him apart as a leader and a role model for others. His death, while a devastating loss, also served as a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens to continue the fight against organized crime.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of a Martyr
Giuseppe Diana’s story is one of courage, faith, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His life exemplifies the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming danger. Although his life was cut short, the impact of his work continues to be felt today, not only in Casal di Principe but throughout Italy.
Don Peppe Diana’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of moral conviction. His willingness to speak out against the Camorra, even when it meant risking his life, has made him a symbol of resistance against oppression. As we remember him, we are reminded that the fight against organized crime and corruption is ongoing, and it requires the same courage and determination that Don Peppe Diana exemplified throughout his life.
