Pope Francis, in a letter commemorating the 30th anniversary of the death of Blessed Giuseppe “Don Pino” Puglisi, emphasized the priest's unwavering love and dedication. Don Pino was tragically assassinated by the Sicilian Mafia on his 53rd birthday, September 15, 1993.

Despite continuous threats to his life, he had silently waged a battle against organized crime by educating young people in his impoverished Palermo neighborhood.

In his letter to Archbishop Corrado Lorefice of Palermo, Pope Francis praised Don Pino's deep commitment to love, likening it to the example set by Jesus. He highlighted how Don Pino resembled a humble and gentle "good shepherd," caring for his parishioners individually, particularly the young and vulnerable. His mission was to nurture their freedom, instill a love for life, and cultivate respect for it.

The Pope's message extended to the priests of Sicily, urging them not to falter in the face of contemporary social challenges. He encouraged them to provide pastoral care tailored to the current needs while emphasizing the importance of not forsaking the preferential option for the poor.

Pope Francis also commended the practical wisdom of Blessed Pino Puglisi, who frequently encouraged the idea that collective efforts, no matter how small, can yield significant impact: "if each of us does something, then we can do a lot." This sentiment serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change through collective action.

In continuation, Pope Francis issued an impassioned call for all to draw inspiration from Blessed Giuseppe “Don Pino” Puglisi's legacy, encouraging them to overcome personal fears and hesitations. He emphasized the importance of united efforts in constructing a just and brotherly society, marking this as an invitation to all.

Born on September 15, 1937, into a working-class family in Palermo, Puglisi's journey led him to enter the seminary at a young age of 16, and he became a priest in 1960 at only 22 years old.

As a priest, he was renowned for his outspoken stance against various forms of injustice, including communism, the Mafia, and issues within the Church itself. Alongside this activism, Blessed Puglisi was deeply committed to youth ministry and the promotion of religious vocations. His mission led him to the parish of San Gaetano in the Mafia-infested Brancaccio neighborhood in 1990.

In this crime-ridden environment, Puglisi adhered to the same approach: winning the hearts of young people and being a steadfast pastor to his congregation. His dedication and unwavering commitment to justice, faith, and youth empowerment left an indelible mark on his community.

“Don Pino” Puglisi, it's important to note that he wasn't a typical anti-Mafia priest. He didn't organize public rallies or openly condemn the Mafia's actions.

According to Archbishop Michele Pennisi of Monreale, Don Pino's approach was perceived as more dangerous by the Mafia because he focused on education.

Rather than being an outspoken critic, Puglisi educated the young people of his community, convincing them to steer clear of criminal activities, stay in school, and reject the Mafia's influence.

This made him a significant threat to the Mafia's interests, as they often exploited children for drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

Don Pino didn't shy away from taking action against the Mafia. He preached against them, barred their participation in religious processions, and even discreetly provided clues to the authorities about their illegal activities in his sermons.

It became known after his tragic assassination that his life had been constantly threatened due to his courageous stance against organized crime.