Papa Francesco in Bari

In 2020 I had one of the most intense experiences of my career as a photographer: the photo shoot for the Civil Protection of the Puglia Region on the occasion of Papa Francesco visit to Bari. Even after some time, thinking about this experience has a certain effect, because I had the opportunity (and the awareness) to live such a special moment so closely.

I remember very well the emotion that overwhelmed me from the first moment. Bari was different that day: quieter, more collected, almost suspended. There was an atmosphere difficult to describe, made of waiting, faith and eyes full of light. As I walked with the camera around my neck, I felt I had a great responsibility: to tell all this, to capture the essence of a day that for many would have meant a lot.

Working as a reporter on that occasion was beautiful and tiring at the same time. I had to watch everything, but with discretion. The Civil Protection was everywhere, attentive, present, tireless – and telling their silent work was an honor for me.

There are shots that still today, looking at them, give me the shivers... for Pope Francis and all that he represented and continues to represent, for all the true emotions perceived in the eyes and gestures of the many people present. Reorganizing these photos to share them in my portfolio reminded me how powerful a photograph can be: not just an image, but a story, a memory, a tale... an emotion that lasts. Just as the teaching of a great person who, without the presumption of teaching us anything, made us learn what inclusion, openness, communion mean.

It was a privilege to be there, to experience all this firsthand and to have the opportunity to tell it with my own eyes. Experiences like this are enough to feel lucky.