Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, Rest in Peace

     Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, former President of Italy who helped draft its republican constitution and who was one of the founders of its most dominant political party, died today at the age of 93 in Rome, Italy.

     Scalfaro, a devout Catholic from Novara, earned a law degree from the Catholic University of Milan. During the Second World War, he aided the families of imprisoned anti-fascists. Scalfaro won a seat in the national assembly in 1946.

     When the monarchy was abolished by popular vote the following year, Scalfaro helped draft the new Italian Republic’s constitution. He was known for his adherence to constitutional principles, especially the independence of the judiciary.

     Scalfaro was one of the founders of the Christian Democratic Party, which dominated Italian politics until the 1990s. The party is credited with preventing Italy from electing Communists to power. During its rule, Italy also became known for its economic growth, despite its political instability.

     Scalfaro was elected to Parliament in 1948 and served in a number of high posts, including the Cabinet, until becoming President in 1992. He served as President until 1999, whereupon he became a Life Senator.

     In the liberal media’s (e.g. the Associated Press) reporting on the death of Scalfaro, it characterizes the office of Italian president as “largely ceremonial,” although it contradicts itself by reporting Scalfaro’s critical role in changing governments in the 1990s. The Italian president is the head of state while the prime minister is the head of government. However, the president of the Italian Republic is not like a constitutional monarch who holds great power but defers almost entirely to the prime minister. While the Italian prime minister exercises most powers, the Italian president must also exercise significant powers, although his role is mostly advisory. An Italian president’s patriotism, character and experience earn him the requisite respect to carry out his duty. Current Italian President Giorgio Napolitano praised Scalfaro for his performance in office. 

     May Scalfaro’s example inspire Italians and others to continue to adhere to republican principles guided by their Christian faith.