San Marino came to a standstill to bid a final farewell to Matteo Fiorini. This morning, large crowds gathered at the church of Murata to attend the funeral of the former Captain Regent, who passed away after a long illness. Alongside his family were friends, colleagues, institutional representatives and countless people who had come to know him throughout his political and public career.
Fiorini was a leading figure in San Marino’s institutional life: he served as a councillor across three legislatures, as Secretary of State for Territory and Environment, and twice as Captain Regent.
During the service, the diocese’s vicar general, Don Mirco Cesarini, conveyed the greetings of Bishop Domenico Beneventi and remembered Fiorini in his homily. “His spirit stayed with him until the very end, with truly rare clarity of mind. A testimony for all of us,” he said.
Equally moving were the words shared by colleagues and family members: “Those of us who knew Matteo know full well what we have lost. The void he leaves cannot be filled, but he gave us so many moments that made us happy.”
Also present were Secretaries of State Matteo Ciacci and Teodoro Lonfernini. Lonfernini conveyed the greetings of Captains Regent Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva, remembering Fiorini not only for his institutional commitment but above all for his human qualities: “Matteo was a son, a husband, a father, but also an important member of our community. As a colleague, I can assure you I have never met anyone else with such great loyalty and friendship.”
At the end of the service, outside the church, those in attendance shared one last embrace. The moment was accompanied by the music of Franco Battiato, one of Fiorini’s favourite singer-songwriters.
