Caserta, a homeless man found dead in Piazza IV Novembre. Bishop Lagnese: "This death challenges us all."

Caserta is deeply saddened and shocked by the death of a homeless man, an Algerian national, found dead near Piazza IV Novembre. For him, the square's porticoes had become a precarious refuge, right outside the "Campo Laudato si' Caserta."

The news also prompted reflection from Monsignor Pietro Lagnese, Bishop of Caserta and Archbishop of Capua, who issued an official statement appealing not to turn away from fragility and marginalization.

"Behind a stranger there is a person"

"Behind the term 'foreign citizen' lies a person, a life, a story, a face. There's a brother," Lagnese emphasizes.

The bishop then recalls the words of the Gospel of Matthew, recalling how the condition of the stranger, the poor, and the marginalized represents a responsibility for the entire Christian community.
"This death should challenge everyone: the Christian community, institutions, volunteers, and every citizen," the prelate said.

The appeal against indifference

Lagnese urges us not to turn everyday suffering into something ordinary, warning against the risk of indifference in the face of loneliness, poverty, and marginalization.
"He asks us never to become accustomed to the suffering we encounter on our streets, never to become indifferent to loneliness, poverty, and marginalization," writes the bishop.

A reflection that calls into question not only institutions, but society as a whole, called to recognize the dignity of every person, even those living on the margins.

The role of Caritas

In his message, the bishop thanks those who, every day, often out of the spotlight, care for the most vulnerable and those living without a home.

Special thanks go to the diocesan Caritas, which is committed to managing this painful situation and ensuring the man receives a dignified burial.

But for Lagnese, what happened also represents a warning: "We must do even more, together, so that no one feels invisible, forgotten, or alone."

"His death shakes our consciences"

The message concludes with a commendation to the Lord and a new appeal to the community.
"I pray that his death may shake our consciences and make us more capable of recognizing, welcoming, and cherishing Christ present in every wounded person," concludes Monsignor Lagnese.
A death that, beyond the pain, therefore poses a question to the city: how much can still be done to prevent those living in extremely fragile conditions from becoming invisible?