Senate President Ignazio La Russa honors Don Antonio Mazzi and football legend Franco Baresi

Ignazio La Russa Don Antonio Mazzi Franco Baresi Senate tribute Exodus community

On 4 August 2026, Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa addressed the chamber in Palazzo Madama, remembering two figures who died on 31 July. He praised Don Antonio Mazzi, founder of the Exodus community, for his work with young people and drug addicts, quoting Mazzi’s saying that “houses are not built with bricks, they are built with friends.”

La Russa then paid tribute to former AC Milan captain and Italy national team defender Franco Baresi, whose funeral was held in Milan that day. He called Baresi “Kaiser,” likening him to Franz Beckenbauer and noting Baresi’s role in reinventing the libero position, and highlighted the joy and unity Baresi brought to Italians and sport lovers.

Entities

Don Antonio Mazzi · Exodus Community · Franco Baresi · Ignazio La Russa · Palazzo Madama

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] Ignazio La Russa called Franco Baresi “Kaiser” and compared him to Franz Beckenbauer, noting Baresi reinvented the libero role. www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.notizie.it · askanews.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Franco Baresi's funeral was held in Milan on 4 August 2026. www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.notizie.it · askanews.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Don Antonio Mazzi died on 31 July 2026. www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.notizie.it · askanews.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Franco Baresi, former captain of AC Milan and the Italy national football team, died on 31 July 2026. www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.notizie.it · askanews.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Ignazio La Russa quoted Don Antonio Mazzi saying “houses are not built with bricks, they are built with friends.” www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.notizie.it · askanews.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Ignazio La Russa, president of the Italian Senate, gave a speech on 4 August 2026 in the Senate chamber (Palazzo Madama) honoring Don Antonio Mazzi and Franco Baresi. www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.notizie.it · askanews.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Don Antonio Mazzi was the founder of the Exodus community. www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.notizie.it · askanews.it