Rome, Italy, Apr 8, 2008 / 15:10 pm
On April 1, the Pontifical Lateran University presented the book, “Capuozzo, Indulge this Child: The Life of Giovanni Palatucci,” published by Saint Paul Editions. The new book tells the life of the heroic Italian police officer who saved five thousand Jews during World War II.
Written by Angelo Picariello, the book was presented by Msgr. Rino Fisichella, rector of the Pontifical Lateran University, who told the Fides news agency of his joy at learning about a man who “not only is on his way to sainthood, but also who was someone with an incredible sense of duty towards his country.”
Italy’s Chief of Police, Dr. Antonio Manganelli, shared his own experience of learning about the life of Patalucci some twenty years ago after reading the biography by Goffredo Raimo.
Normally, he said, we expect the actions of a hero to happen outside the context of ordinary life, but in the case of Patalucci, his heroism lasted seven years, “thus leaving a clear message to share with others,” Manganelli said.