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CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF EMMA BONINO
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14 September 2026
The “UNITED STATES OF THE WORLD” – Secretary-General, Executive Board, Council of Ambassadors, International Committee and Directors of branch offices – together with the autonomous sections “Fondazione Mediterraneo”, the “Mediterranean Academy”, the “Kimiyya Women’s Network”, the “House of the Arab Maghreb”, the “Maison de la Méditerranée”, the “Maison de la Paix” and the “Maison des Alliances”, express their profound and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Senator EMMA BONINO.
“A close friendship,” says Secretary-General Michele Capasso, “which dates back to the early 1970s, when, within the ranks of the Socialist and Radical parties, I met this sweet yet feisty young woman from Bra, who had made sobriety and rigour the hallmark of her political and private life: it is impossible to recount all the battles she fought for human rights and freedoms, which make Emma an irreplaceable bastion who will remain etched in history”.
It is with deep emotion that we join in mourning the passing of a dear friend of the “Fondazione Mediterraneo” and the “Stati Uniti del Mondo”, within whose framework she was elected President of the “Accademia del Mediterraneo” and the “Federazione Anna Lindh Italia” in 2018.
Emma Bonino was one of the most authentic, authoritative and courageous voices in Italian, European and global public life. We remember her with affection and gratitude for the passion, freedom of thought and strength of conviction with which she navigated decades of international politics, always placing the freedom and dignity of people – particularly women – at the heart of everything she did.
Within Italian and European institutions, as well as in her civil society campaigns, Emma Bonino was able to combine firm ideals with practical action. From the defence of women’s rights to her campaign against the death penalty, from international justice to aid for populations affected by war, and from respect for other civilisations and religions – she possessed a profound knowledge of Islam and the Arab world, deepened during her long stay in Egypt – she brought causes that are all too often ignored to the world’s attention. Her commitment to Europe stemmed from the conviction that only a more united Europe could provide responses commensurate with our shared challenges and defend the freedoms and opportunities of future generations: in this sense, she was a great supporter of our project for the ‘United States of Europe’.
For all of us, her passing is a sorrow comparable to the loss of a beloved family member. Over the years, she took part in many initiatives organised by the Fondazione Mediterraneo and the United States of the World, enriching us with her experience, the consistency of her analyses and that frank candour which made each of her contributions an incentive to question, to discuss and to look beyond the most immediate answers. Her connection with us formed part of a valuable dialogue on the role of the Mediterranean and the United States of the World, as well as on the future of Europe and the responsibilities of the international community.
In 2018, we awarded her the Mediterranean Award for Peace: that honour expressed our gratitude for a lifetime of commitment that brought authority and credibility to our country.
We wish to remember her by looking at the photographs of her with Pia Molinari amongst the works of Mario Molinari – a fellow Piedmontese and a sculptor dear to her – and then of her signing the Kimiyya Manifesto for women’s rights, and much more besides.
“During her last visit to Naples,” says Pia Molinari, “Emma said she had worn ‘her jacket for special occasions’: it was true; I wore that very same jacket in November 2024 when dear Pope Francis went to visit her at her home, greeting her in Piedmontese, ‘Cerea’!”
We leave you with a recording of her voice from a speech on peace delivered in November 2018 at our headquarters in Naples.
THE UNITED STATES OF THE WORLD AND THE FONDAZIONE MEDITERRANEO COME TO GAZA’S AID
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03 September 2026
The United States of the World and the Fondazione Mediterraneo continue their efforts on behalf of the people of the Gaza Strip, who are victims of genocide and a war that rages on relentlessly.
“In the last 24 hours here in Gaza,” said Secretary-General Prof. Michele Capasso, “three children have been killed, including two girls aged 3 and 10 and a 13-year-old boy, whilst at least five others have been injured. Our thoughts are with all the bereaved families. To protect children, the use of explosive weapons and indiscriminate firing must be avoided. One of the gravest affronts to humanity as a whole continues to be perpetrated here.”
IN MEMORY OF GIOVANBATTISTA CUTOLO
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31 August 2026
This morning, in a moment of profound and heartfelt remembrance, the city gathered in Piazza Municipio – just a few metres from the headquarters of the United States of the World – to mark the third anniversary of the tragic passing of Giovanbattista Cutolo, known to us all simply as Giogiò.
A delegation from the "United States of the World" and the "Fondazione Mediterraneo" – alongside the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi; the President of the Region, Roberto Fico; the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi; the Prefect of Naples, Michele Di Bari (Ambassador of the United States of the World); his mother, Daniela Di Maggio; and many Members of Parliament from various political groups – attended the unveiling of the plaque in his memory. Institutions and countless citizens came together to remember an extraordinary young man and to celebrate the awarding of the Gold Medal for Civil Valour to Giogiò.
Giovanbattista stands as an admirable example of courage, selflessness and high civic virtues. This plaque and the solemn honour bear witness to the fact that his sacrifice and his values will not be forgotten, laying the foundations for an unwavering collective commitment.
“Remembering is essential,” said the Secretary-General, Prof. Michele Capasso, “so that we do not turn a blind eye to the gravity of the vile, violent and senseless acts that can arise amongst young people and beyond. As a young musician full of dreams, grace and a passion for beauty, his memory must continue to be a shining beacon and a model of redemption for the generations of today and tomorrow. His memory is not confined to grief, but becomes a daily responsibility for all of us: to build a safe, just community capable of protecting its young people.”
#giovanbattistacutolo #giogiò #danieladimaggio
POPE LEO XIV ON LAKE ALBANO
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29 August 2026
29 August 2026 will go down in the history of Castel Gandolfo and of devotion to Our Lady of the Lake.
For the first time in history, in fact, a Pope took part in the traditional procession of Our Lady of the Lake by boat, crossing the waters of Lake Albano alongside the venerated image of the Virgin.
After celebrating Holy Mass in the church of Maria Santissima del Lago, Pope Leo XIV followed the procession to the shore. There, together with the statue of the Madonna, he boarded the boat which travelled across the lake to the area of Giorgio’s Beach, at the foot of the Apostolic Palace. The crossing lasted about 25 minutes and was accompanied by other vessels and the boats of the authorities.
A delegation from the ‘United States of the World’ and the "Fondazione Mediterraneo" took part in the ceremony.
‘It was not merely a crossing of the lake,’ said President Michele Capasso, ‘because the Pope wished to immerse himself fully in a tradition deeply cherished by the community of Castel Gandolfo, setting out on the journey alongside the people and accompanying Mary to the place that has always provided the natural backdrop for this festival.’
For a few minutes, the boat, the water, the Virgin Mary and the Successor of Peter formed an image of extraordinary spiritual power.
732ND EDITION OF THE PERDONANZA CELESTINIANA
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23 August 2026
As they do every year, a delegation from the United States of the World and the Fondazione Mediterraneo took part in the 732nd edition of the Perdonanza Celestiniana. 28 August 2026 was the highlight of the event, featuring the traditional Procession of the Bull and the opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio. The festival concluded on 30 August 2026 with the closing of the Holy Door.
PASTORAL VISIT BY HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV TO THE REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO
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22 August 2026
At the conclusion of his meeting with the Captains Regent and other authorities of the Republic of San Marino, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV left the Palazzo Pubblico and walked to the Basilica of San Marino, where he met with priests, consecrated persons and representatives of the ecclesial life of the diocese who had gathered there. On his arrival, the Pope was welcomed at the entrance by His Excellency Monsignor Domenico Beneventi, Bishop of San Marino-Montefeltro, and by Father Marco Mazzanti, Rector of the Basilica.
Following adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the veneration of the relics of Saint Marino and a greeting from His Excellency Monsignor Domenico Beneventi, the Holy Father delivered his address.
Subsequently, having concluded the meeting with the ecclesial community, the Pope greeted the large crowd of faithful gathered in the square.
Immediately afterwards, Leo XIV walked to Piazza Garibaldi, from where he travelled by car to Torraccia Airfield.
After taking his leave of Their Excellencies the Captains Regent and the authorities who had welcomed him on his arrival, at 12.05, the Pope departed by helicopter for Pennabilli, in the province of Rimini, where the Holy Father had a private lunch at the monastery of the Augustinian Nuns.
On his arrival in Pennabilli, the Holy Father was welcomed by the Mayor, Mr Mauro Giannini, and the parish priest, Father Mirco Cesarini.
A delegation from the "United States of the World" and the "Fondazione Mediterraneo" took part in the meeting with the authorities of San Marino, a member country of the ‘United States of the World’.
PASTORAL VISIT BY THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV TO THE "MEETING FOR FRIENDSHIP AMONGST PEOPLES" AND TO THE CITY OF RIMINI
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22 August 2026
Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Rimini deeply touched the hearts of the faithful and the town’s residents. Forty-four years after the last apostolic journey by a Pope to the city (undertaken by Saint John Paul II in 1982), the event was met with a warm and moving welcome.
“It was a moving encounter,” said Secretary-General Michele Capasso, who was present at the event, “because Pope Leo XIV showed his true essence as a Man of Peace, close to young people” .
On his arrival, the Holy Father was welcomed by His Excellency Monsignor Nicolò Anselmi, Bishop of Rimini; Dr Michele de Pascale, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region; Dr Giuseppina Cassone, Prefect of Rimini; and Dr Jamil Sadegholvaad, Mayor of Rimini. Subsequently, after reaching the West entrance of the Exhibition Centre, the Pope was welcomed by Dr Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting; by Prof. Davide Prosperi, President of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation; by Dr Emanuele Forlani, Vice-President of the Meeting; and by Dr Francesco Perazzini, Director of the Meeting; at the entrance to the exhibition halls, the Pontiff greeted the members of the organising committee and the staff.
- The Holy Father then first visited the exhibition on St Augustine and, immediately afterwards, the exhibition on Leon Harmel. Shortly afterwards, he travelled by golf cart to the Villaggio Ragazzi, where he addressed those present with a few words of greeting, and then to the Auditorium, where he briefly greeted the approximately 5,000 participants at the Rimini Meeting. At the end, the Pope travelled by car to Rimini Cathedral for a meeting with the sick, the disabled and the poor supported by Caritas.
Among the most significant moments were:
The embrace with the young people at the Meeting: the Pope urged the younger generations to ‘open the doors of their hearts’ and to reject the ‘false realism that rearms minds and nations’, inviting them instead to invest in brotherhood and peace. - The intimate encounter in the Cathedral: the Holy Father dedicated an intimate and moving moment to the sick, people with disabilities and the poor supported by Caritas and the Pope John XXIII Community, emphasising the inestimable value of every single life.
- The walk through the crowds and Mass at the harbour: in front of tens of thousands of people, the day concluded with a moving Eucharistic celebration in the harbour area, uniting the entire community in an atmosphere of profound celebration and spirituality.
“PESCASSEROLI READ 2026”
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07 August 2026
Once again this year, the United States of the World and the Fondazione Mediterraneo are taking part in the 2026 edition of “Pescasseroli Legge”, directed by Dacia Maraini.
Carlo Cottarelli, Valentina Petrini, Vincenzo Paglia, Tiziana Ferrario, Paolo Di Paolo, Concita De Gregorio and Aldo Cazzullo are the key figures in this eighth edition, organised by Fiorella Graziani and scheduled to take place from 7 to 29 August in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
The events, held as usual in Piazza Umberto I, addressed highly topical issues, ranging from civil rights to the economy, from the legacy of anti-fascism to healthcare, and right through to Italian cultural identity.
“Feeling the pulse of a square that listens, in a small mountain village, instils a sense of security and confidence,” said Michele Capasso, Secretary-General of the United States of the World, who has been visiting Pescasseroli for half a century.
“Only by thinking together can we create a shared future. In an era marked by wars, social conflicts and profound changes, literature continues to represent a privileged space for discussion and reflection,” said Dacia Maraini.
TOGETHER FOR THE MOTHERS OF GAZA
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03 August 2026
Following the international event on 12 June 2026, the United States of the World and the Fondazione Mediterraneo are continuing their efforts to provide aid and solidarity to the mothers of war victims in Gaza.
As part of the ‘MADRI’ programme – in addition to financial and material aid, which was also delivered today – particular attention is being paid to preserving the memory of these mothers, so that one of humanity’s greatest recent tragedies is not forgotten.
Among the participants were many mothers and women from Gaza, the Palestinian Ambassador Mona Abuamara, and Ahlam Mohamadi, a lecturer at the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez and a ‘Standard-bearer for the United States of the World’.
On this occasion, Dr Alaa al-Najjar was remembered; she was a paediatrician at Al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, who lost nine of her children and her husband in an Israeli airstrike on 23 May 2025.
APPEAL FOR THE MUSEUM OF PEACE AND THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE WORLD
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03 August 2026
A heartfelt appeal in the form of an open letter has been sent to friends and supporters of the UNITED STATES OF THE WORLD and the MUSEUM OF PEACE, asking for their support following the serious damage sustained by the Museum of Peace in Naples as a result of the fire on 21 July 2026 and the earthquake on 31 July 2026.