Clemente Mastella, 79-year-old mayor of Benevento, has revealed that he has a tumor. The announcement came during the celebrations for the Madonna delle Grazie, patron saint of the city, in the basilica of Benevento. Mastella took the microphone after Archbishop Michele Autuoro addressed the congregation about the solitude of the most fragile people. According to the mayor, it was not a planned decision but an impulse prompted by the archbishop's words.

In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Mastella explained: "I have a tumor. I understood I had it for quite some time, but it was diagnosed only recently. When I found out, I was left breathless." He added that he thought it would probably be the last time he spoke in church on the day of the Madonna delle Grazie, as he is at the end of his second term as mayor of Benevento.

According to what Mastella told Repubblica, he discovered the illness about a couple of months ago, but doctors explained that based on test results it had been progressing for about two years. His age, he said, helped slow the disease. He has started treatment and doctors say it can be cured.

The mayor explained that the medicine is not an exact science. As a well-known figure with many acquaintances, including doctor friends, he sought opinions and advice, but in the end he will have to decide for himself whether to undergo surgery or pursue medical therapy. Mastella, who taught philosophy at university in his youth, said he always had a rational approach, but acknowledged that rationality alone is not enough when life intervenes.

Mastella said he does not fear death but believes in the power of prayer and has asked everyone to pray for him. He did, however, confess one fear: "I am afraid of dying alone. Memories are not enough. And I pray also so that this does not happen."

He recounted that something unusual happened in the basilica after his announcement: as a mayor who gave his phone number to everyone and was contacted at all hours by people in need, this time the roles were reversed, with many people reaching out to comfort him. He also expressed hope that his announcement might encourage others to undergo prevention and early screening.

To face the illness, Mastella said he relies on a combination of scientific knowledge and religious faith, hoping this will help him overcome the disease.