“Aunt Flavia brilliant mind with Romano one body”

The first tribute that Don Matteo Prodi pays to the memory of Flavia Franzoni is a laugh. In fact, he laughs when he thinks back to the person who since he was a child he has seen alongside his uncle Romano. Then, to define her, she chooses her words that the latter most often dedicated to her: «she was the most beautiful woman in the world». She stops, thinks about it, and explains: «Even her life was beautiful. Now we will see the fruits of it ». The second tribute that this shy priest, with a beard, capable of using social media and who is not afraid to add political ones to pastoral discourses (also letting the characteristics of that typical way of speaking of the most famous of his relatives shine through), instead , is to be on the altar today at Flavia’s funeral in Bologna, in the same parish where she and the former prime minister celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019, with her nephew saying mass. This time, the president of the CEI and archbishop of the capital of Emilia, Don Matteo Zuppi, will officiate.

Did Don Matteo speak to Romano Prodi following what happened?

“We spoke on the phone shortly after Flavia died, during the pilgrimage to Assisi. Neither of us said anything, we just embraced for a long time and at a distance».

Flavia Franzoni was a private person. How do you remember it?

“She was a woman of immense value. His intelligence and her culture matched that of her husband. With their life together, she and Romano have expressed a practically perfect form of symbiosis.

On a more personal level, what was it like?

«They got married in 1969, I was three years old. I don’t even remember if I was allowed to attend the service. This is to say that for me she has always been a member of the family in the most natural way. She was a careful person. You have dedicated yourself above all to studying the social services system, you have worked to improve them, you have written about them and taught at the university, of course, but you have also always been very sensitive to gender rights. She expressed her feminine depth without frills and here was her beauty. Besides, she cultivated a rich faith.’

TOhe was 76 years old. Do you think she was satisfied with her life?

“I think she had a wonderful life and was proud of it. Now the fruits will be seen. Professionally, she has always been independent. But, even when she decided to put herself at the service of a project of hers and not hers, that is to help Romano in the ’96 electoral campaign, you could see her satisfaction: she made an infinite contribution.’

And how did your uncle talk about Flavia when he wasn’t there?

«Romano kept repeating: Flavia is the most beautiful woman in the world. I think she was right.”

In 2019, she celebrated their golden wedding in the same church where the funeral is held today. What day was it?

«Before mass, I sent her the text of the homily. I had jotted it down, talking about the celebration of their love. She was very happy with it and she returned it to me with a smile ». —

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