The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, awarded 30 Certificates of Honor of "Bishop of the Republic." Solidarity for peace," explains a note from the Quirinal, "is the prevailing theme that inspired the selection of the young standard bearers in 2022. The selection among many deserving ones was oriented to enhance behaviors and actions of solidarity, now in the context of welcoming Ukrainian boys fleeing war, now through other gestures of friendship, cooperation, and inclusion so that diversity never becomes a barrier.

The chosen witnesses," the Quirinal emphasizes, "do not constitute examples of rare actions, but are emblematic of widespread behavior among young people, illustrating a mosaic of civic virtues in which, fortunately, our communities are rich. The stories of the Bishops of the Republic can also be seen, therefore, as the tip of a large iceberg that represents, in each territory, the daily lives of young people.

President Mattarella also awarded four plaques for collective actions intended to enhance the active and heartfelt participation of young people, also in order to encourage their more conscious protagonism.

Of the 30 new Bishops, 16 are boys and 14 are girls. Together with the young people awarded plaques for collective actions, they will be received by the Head of State at the Quirinal Palace on Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m. for the presentation of certificates of honor.

Here are who are the new Bishops of the Republic appointed by the Head of State:

Mario Amatuzio, 11/21/2005, resident of Bojano (CB) - For his volunteer work especially in favor of elderly people during the most acute phase of the pandemic, and for his commitment with which at school he contributes to inclusion and combats bullying.

Viola Bandinu, 5/2/2006, resident of Olbia (SS) - For the mature commitment with which she participates as a volunteer in after-school projects and activities for younger children. Her ability to listen and welcome the most vulnerable has also allowed her to become an example for other volunteers.

Alexander Bani, 5/31/2012, resident of Città di Castello (PG) - For the solidarity and friendship shown to little Sasha, a Ukrainian child who fled the conflict and was hosted by an Italian family for several months.

Aniello Capuano, 8/26/2004, resident of Siano (SA) - For the tenacity with which he faces the disease that struck him as a child, managing to draw strength to engage in spreading knowledge about facio-scapulohumeral dystrophy and to support scientific research. Using his computer skills, he has created a youtube channel about it.

Alessandro Cuomo, 28/5/2004, resident of Rome - For the civic sense shown in giving prompt help to a lady, victim of a robbery. With courage he chased the two thieves, helped bring one of them to justice and managed to return the victim's wallet that had been taken from her.

William D'Alascio, 5/22/2012, resident of Crespina Lorenzana (PI) - For the commitment and generosity with which, in the most difficult phases of the pandemic, he ensured that his classmates, forced indoors by the virus, did not fall behind in the curriculum, delivering their homework "at home" like a real mailman.

Maddalena Da Rozze, 3/20/2006, resident of Sedico (BL) - For the dignity and strong sense of responsibility with which she cares for her sick mother every day. Her maturity enabled her to save her mother's life when, faced with a sudden aggravation, she was able to immediately activate help.

Zaccaria Dellai, 3/11/2011, resident of Laives (BZ) - For the care shown towards elderly people also through the conception of a comic strip featuring them. On the theme of intergenerational exchange, he has continued his commitment, involving the association of which he is a member.

Francesca Di Sabatino, 31/7/2004, resident of Isola del Gran Sasso d'Italia (TE) - For her volunteer service on behalf of children and the most vulnerable. Her commitment is an example of active citizenship and expresses the sentiment of an entire community that decided to react together and stand up again after the 2016 earthquake.

Luigi Falconi, 6/11/2003, Latina resident - For being able to turn his own difficulties into opportunities, showing how differences are an asset for everyone. For putting his computer skills at the service of an association committed to "inclusive sport."

Maria Grazia Fragale, 19/12/2005, resident of Serrastretta (CZ) - For the testimony of solidarity she has offered in her various activities. For facilitating the integration of a Ukrainian girl within the classroom and for helping some Ukrainian refugees in learning the Italian language.

Deborah Maria Inserillo, 1/8/2003, resident of Termini Imerese (PA) - For the volunteer activity with which she testifies to the importance of sharing and giving. For her commitment against food waste, made of concrete actions and awareness raising for sustainable development.

Diletta Lago, 22/2/2005, resident of Cittadella (PD) - For the unconditional friendship with which she helped a classmate with disabilities in social interaction. The sensitivity she showed is also reflected in the delicacy of her writing, which led her to invent a children's fairy tale for which she received an important award.

Anna Assunta Lombardi, 27/11/2009, resident of Almese (TO) - For the testimony of solidarity she offered by quickly learning sign language. Her efforts facilitated the integration of a deaf classmate from Mali. Their beautiful story shows how friendship can break down many barriers.

Chiara Longo, 29/12/2004, resident of Cavallino (LE) - For the commitment and expertise with which she addresses both major environmental issues and the defense of women's rights. Through her blog she has contributed to raising awareness of the tragedy being experienced by the Ukrainian people.

Giulia Martinello, 5/30/2004, resident of San Pietro in Gu (PD) - For her volunteer service to a community in Bosnia that, years later, has still not managed to forget the horror of war. A testimony of concrete solidarity, realized by giving up the summer vacation period.

Gioele Mazzone, 19/7/2005, resident of Cengio (SV) - For the tenacity and civic commitment with which he promotes and supports campaigns to raise awareness on issues related to land preservation, climate change and environmental sustainability.

Elisaveta Petronela Merfu, 4/29/2003, resident of Scalea (CS) - For the social commitment and volunteer work she now carries out in favor of younger children, having received help during a difficult period in her own life.

Beatrice Papei Allori, 8/4/2005, resident of Genoa, Italy - For the commitment with which, through her writing and creativity, she tries to transmit to her peers the value of memory, especially the memory of the horrors of the Shoah. So that never again will humanity fall into that abyss.

Ettore Prà, 5/6/2005, resident of Monteforte d'Alpone (VR) - For the sportsmanship and sense of solidarity shown when he stopped to help an opponent, who had ruinously fallen, during a cycling competition.

Andrea Premoli, 12/8/2004, resident of Milan, Italy - For the support he offered during his schooling to a fellow student with disabilities and for the friendship he managed to build with him, facilitating his integration into the peer group. For the commitment with which, including through social media, he tries to raise awareness of disability issues.

Josephine Riccio, 11/6/2006, resident of San Potito Sannitico (CE) - For her daily testimony to the inalienable and positive value of diversity. Her tenacity is an example offered to all to counter prejudice and marginalization.

Giulia Rossi, 27/2/2004, resident of Modena - For the energy and enthusiasm with which she volunteers. The solidarity and commitment shown despite her young age is an example of how each of us can contribute to improving community life.

Simone Rovere Meloni, 12/23/2003, resident of Uras (OR) - For the courage and perseverance with which he reacted to the loss of part of his flock following a dramatic flood. The solidarity he received gave him the strength to get back up and to continue doing the work he had chosen for his future.

Giovanni Scialdone, 3/12/2004, resident of Vitulazio (CE) - For having, without hesitation, performed resuscitation maneuvers on a person in cardiac arrest, saving her life. For his perseverance in raising awareness of the value of life-saving maneuvers and the culture of rescue.

Sokona Souare, 10/7/2007, resident of Avigliana (TO) - For the courage and determination with which she faces her disability. For the desire to communicate that she manages to convey, and the friendship she has managed to build.

Francesco Spataro, 8/6/2006, resident of Celico (CS) - For the generous volunteer work through which he tries to raise awareness among peers about the importance of sharing and the value of food.

Riccardo Maria Jules Van Lysebetten, 3/12/2003, resident of San Donato Milanese (MI) - For his volunteer activity, which never failed during the most acute phases of the pandemic. The contribution of solidarity he is capable of, despite a disability, has made him an example to many.

Riccardo Yanovskyy, 12/27/2006, resident of Latina - For his generosity of spirit and testimony of solidarity and welcome shown to fellow Ukrainians fleeing the war, especially a peer who arrived in Italy in the early stages of the conflict.

Tommaso Zotti, 22/11/2008, resident of Campo San Martino (PD) - For his promptness in dealing with an emergency situation, caused by the illness of a school bus driver. Thanks to his intervention, all occupants of the vehicle were able to get to safety.

In addition to the nomination of the Republic Bishops, the President of the Republic awarded four plaques for collective actions. Adam, Manuel, Marco, Cristiano, Davide (ages 16-18) For the inclusive strength of their friendship. Fifth A students of the "A. Monchiero" elementary school in Pocapaglia (CN) For experiencing differences as an asset to all.

Paula Kalauz (25/7/2005 Drochia, Moldova), Diana Enea (3/1/2006 Tarata, Peru), Edoardo Dominijanni (26/9/2006 Pisa) For promoting a universal language of peace. Igor Nito and his class - third F of the Istituto Comprensivo Statale "Elisa Springer" in Surbo (LE) For the friendship born from an exchange of gifts.