Giorgio La Pira
| Giorgio La Pira | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Mayor of Florence | |
|
In office 5 July 1951 – 15 February 1965 |
|
| Preceded by | Mario Fabiani |
| Succeeded by | Lelio Lagorio |
| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | |
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In office 25 June 1946 – 25 June 1953 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
January 9, 1904 Pozzallo, Sicily, Italy |
| Died | 5 November 1977 (aged 73) Florence, Tuscany, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Political party | Christian Democracy |
| Alma mater | University of Messina |
| Profession | Monk, Teacher |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Giorgio La Pira (9 January 1904 – 5 November 1977) was an Italian politician who served as mayor of Florence twice (1950-1956, 1960-1964). He also served as deputy of the Christian Democracy and participated in the assembly that wrote the Constitution of Italy after World War II. In his public and private life, La Pira was a tireless champion of peace and human rights who worked for the betterment of the poor and disenfranchised. He belonged to the Lay Fraternity of St Dominic, that is, the lay branch of the Order of Preachers (Dominican Order). From 1934 to 1977 he lived in the San Marco complex.
The son of a Sicilian packing-house worker, La Pira was born in Pozzallo to a family of modest means. His Catholic upbringing, especially the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, played a big role in shaping his political and philosophical beliefs. He saw everything he did and every position he took as an expression of his spiritual beliefs.
After studying accounting in Messina, La Pira received a law degree from the University of Florence in 1925. He became professor of Roman Law there in 1933. His openness helped him achieve a cordial relationship with his students.
On the eve of World War II, La Pira founded the review Principles, which promoted human rights and openly criticized fascism. During the war he continued his outspoken campaign against the fascists. After his offices were raided by the Italian police, La Pira escaped to Siena, then Rome.
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