Giorgio La Pira

Giorgio La Pira was a charismatic and popular politician – the type of big city civic character who might seem familiar to Americans. What distinguishes La Pira is that this three-time mayor of Florence may well have been a saint. Governing in the 1950’s and 60’s he had an overriding concern for the poor, was a defender of the rights of workers and, later on, became an international apostle of peace. Moreover he was a Dominican tertiary who lived at San Marco and prayed with the friars, and it is also at San Marco that his tomb may be found.  His cause for beatification has been introduced. See this blog piece that gives an elegant summary of his life and reputation for sanctity.