The church announcement

On 2 July 2026, during the feast of the Madonna delle Grazie in Benevento, mayor Clemente Mastella took the microphone after Archbishop Michele Autuoro's homily on the sick. Visibly moved, he told the packed basilica:

“I am also sick, I hope to make it. Pray for me.”

A stunned silence gave way to a long, warm applause from the congregation.

The tumour revelation

The following day, in an interview with Corriere della Sera, Mastella disclosed the nature of his illness.

“I have a tumour. I realised I had it for quite some time, but it was only diagnosed recently. When I found out, I was breathless.”

He said he had known for about two months and now faces a choice between surgery and medical therapy.

“I am afraid of dying alone. Memories are not enough. And I pray that this does not happen.”

Political solidarity

Mastella's announcement drew an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Former ally Pier Ferdinando Casini, with whom he co-founded the Christian Democratic Centre after the collapse of the DC, wrote:

“My friend, you have strength and courage to spare!”

Many others posted messages of encouragement on social media, while Mastella himself thanked the community for its affection.

Social media backlash

Alongside the solidarity, a wave of hateful comments appeared online. Some users wished him a painful death or dismissed his appeal, prompting Italian media to condemn the vitriol. The episode highlighted the persistent toxicity of anonymous online discourse, even toward a public figure facing serious illness.

A half-century in politics

Mastella, 79, has been a fixture of Italian politics for 50 years. A former minister and long-time parliamentarian, he served under the Christian Democrats, navigated the Tangentopoli scandals, and later held roles during the Berlusconi era. His second term as mayor of Benevento ends in autumn 2026, making this year's patronal feast his last in office.