Faces lined and jaws clenched: hundreds of law enforcement officers, mixed with ordinary citizens, gathered since early afternoon in front of the Basilica of Santa Giustina in Padua for the state funeral of the three Carabinieri officers killed in the explosion two days ago in Castel D'Azzano, in the province of Verona.

The coffins of Valerio Daprà, Davide Bernardello, and Marco Piffari left the chapel of rest set up at the Carabinieri Legion Headquarters on Via Rismondi and arrived at the Basilica in Prato della Valle five minutes before the start of the funeral, greeted by prolonged applause.

"Victory over the world and over evil also comes from the love of those who serve their country, that is, their neighbor, ensuring justice, the common good, and the stability of the institutions responsible for maintaining order and harmony in the human community." Archbishop Gian Franco Saba, Military Ordinary for Italy, officiating at the funeral, said: " Our brothers followed the path of service for the common good. In their encounter with Christ, they will have seen themselves reflected in Him, thus seeing that the beautiful face of humanity lies in serving others."

President Sergio Mattarella also attended the ceremony: upon arriving at the basilica, he immediately embraced the families of the three Carabinieri officers. Also present were Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Senate President Ignazio La Russa, Chamber President Lorenzo Fontana, and Ministers Tajani, Crosetto, Salvini, Piantedosi, Nordio, Abodi, Roccella, Schillaci, and Bernini.

In addition to family members , the Carabinieri's top brass and colleagues of the deceased were also present, including several soldiers who were with them in Castel D'Azzano, showing clear signs of the injuries sustained in the blast. An honor guard of all law enforcement and army forces was deployed in the churchyard.

- UPDATE IN PROGRESS -

(Unioneonline)

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