Don Daniele Lottari, the 40-year-old parish vicar of Stradella in the Oltrepò Pavese area, was assaulted and beaten by a pack of youngsters. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the oratory during “Olympics” games celebrating the end of the summer center activities.
A group of minors entered the oratory and, for reasons still under investigation, targeted Don Daniele. They struck him with a punch, spat at him, and even threatened to burn down the parish structure.
The scene unfolded in front of numerous children, their parents, and animators. Carabinieri officers arrived at the scene after being called by witnesses and have identified the assailants while launching an investigation to reconstruct events. Don Daniele, however, immediately sought to downplay the incident: “This was not a security issue, as some fear. These are fragile young people,” stated the priest, “we must welcome and help them.”
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