An open letter to the youth of Palermo for a culture that rejects violence.

Father Vitangelo Denora: "We need a new Territorial Educational Pact."

PALERMO – Young people must become actors and promoters of a culture of peace where beauty, justice, and freedom become the pillars of a better society. Just hours after the tragic news story of the death of young Paolo Taormina , the general director of the Gonzaga Campus wrote a letter to all the young people of Palermo.

“ To you, girls and boys, who live in this city. These days Palermo is wounded . Paolo, a young man like you, was killed while trying to stop the violence. It is not right. It is not normal – writes Father Vitangelo Denora , general director of the

Gonzaga Campus - And we can't pretend it didn't happen. It's normal to be afraid. It's right to be outraged. What happened concerns us all. Because every time a young person is attacked, all the hope we carry within us is attacked. But let's not let fear turn to silence . You have the right to live your age peacefully, to go out at night without feeling in danger, to build a future in a city that welcomes and respects you. You have the right to dream, to demand beauty, justice, freedom , and to be outraged when this doesn't happen. You also have the duty —and the strength—to react with kindness , with words, with courageous actions.

" We want to tell you clearly: you are the protagonists of a new culture, one that doesn't accept violence as normal, one that speaks out when injustice strikes, one that knows how to build, not destroy ," the letter continues. " In memory of Paolo, but also for all of you: don't be afraid to be different, just, and authentic. We adults, educators, and teachers are with you. To listen to you, to walk together, to dream of more humane cities . That's why we'll be there at the march tonight, that's why we'll continue to build a Campus and a community that isn't closed in on itself but wants to be a sign of hope for our city!"

" The young people who live in this city have the right to grow, to dream, to build their future in a context of peace, security, and dignity ," the letter continues . " Educating for peace today also means this: it means teaching people to disarm not only armies, but also words, gestures, and attitudes.

It means cultivating nonviolent relationships, responsible choices, spaces for listening, and paths of hope . We need serious and concrete investments in education. We need vibrant schools, educational centers, and places for meeting and growth in neighborhoods . We need to believe that the future is built by providing opportunities, alternatives , and presence. Perhaps we need to relaunch a new territorial Educational Pact that brings together political institutions, the church, associations, and all those who care about the future of the young people of this land.

The response to violence cannot be only repression. It is through education, support, and community that we can rebuild the human and social fabric of our city."