The Dark 70s of Italy: Aldo Moro’s Last 55 Days

The kidnapping and assassination of Aldo Moro is one of the most tragic and shocking events in Italian history. Beginning on March 16, 1978, this tragedy is recorded as one of the most significant events of the turbulent period known as the “Anni di Piombo” (Years of Lead), which profoundly affected the Italian political system. Aldo Moro, the leader of the Christian Democracy (DC) party and five-time Prime Minister, fell victim to a terrorist act targeting Italy’s unity and political stability.

His Life and Academic Career

Aldo Moro was born on September 23, 1916, in Maglie, a town in the Puglia region of Italy. His father, Renato Moro, was a civil servant and Latin teacher, while his mother, Fida Stinchi, was a homemaker. Moro grew up in a culturally rich and devoutly Catholic environment. As a young man, he was known for his discipline and academic achievements.

In 1934, Moro began studying law at Bari University, focusing on philosophy, legal theory, and criminal law. He quickly gained recognition for his academic talents. In 1941, after completing his doctoral thesis titled “Individualism and Italian Criminal Law”, Moro was appointed as a lecturer in criminal law at Bari University in 1948. After three years as an associate professor, he became a full professor and head of the department of criminal law at the age of 35.

Moro’s work in legal theory explored the harmony between human rights, social justice, and individual freedoms within both Italian and global legal systems. In 1963, he transitioned to Sapienza University of Rome to better balance his academic responsibilities with his political career. There, he chaired the Department of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. Despite his demanding political and state duties, he remained committed to his teaching role, continuing to lecture regularly until his death. The presence of a bag containing his students’ theses in the car from which he was kidnapped on March 16, 1978, underscored his dedication to his teaching profession and students.

Aldo Moro as a Politician

Moro’s political career began with Catholic youth movements. Active in the Gioventù Universitaria Cattolica (Catholic University Youth) group, he quickly rose to leadership positions and joined the Christian Democracy (DC) party in 1946, aligning with its policies advocating social reforms. Known for his eloquence and intellectual depth, Moro rapidly advanced within the party and played a significant role in Italy’s democratic reconstruction.

The Christian Democracy (DC) party, founded in 1943, was a dominant center-right political force in Italy’s 20th-century political landscape. Rooted in Catholic social teachings, the party emphasized Christian values and social welfare, shaping Italy’s political and social structures between 1946 and 1994. Despite its center-right positioning, the party’s broad coalition structure brought together conservative and reformist factions, enabling it to remain in power for many years.

Moro’s Role Within Christian Democracy

As one of Christian Democracy’s key leaders, Aldo Moro significantly influenced Italy’s political transformation during the 1960s and 1970s. Serving as the party’s Secretary-General from 1959 to 1964, he sought to broaden its appeal. Moro served as Prime Minister between 1963-1968 and 1974-1976, leading coalition governments and fostering collaboration with left-wing and center-left parties.

The “Historic Compromise”

One of Moro’s most notable contributions was the “Historic Compromise” (Compromesso Storico), a strategy aimed at fostering cooperation between the DC and the Italian Communist Party (PCI) during the Cold War’s political polarization. Engaging in dialogue with Enrico Berlinguer, the PCI’s leader, Moro advocated for collaboration to ensure Italy’s social and political stability. Although this approach softened the DC’s anti-communist stance and sparked internal debates, Moro successfully reduced Italy’s political polarization during this time.

March 16, 1978: The Kidnapping

On the morning of March 16, 1978, Aldo Moro was kidnapped in a violent attack on Via Fani in Rome. Members of the Red Brigades (Brigate Rosse), a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization, ambushed Moro’s convoy, killing his five bodyguards and abducting him. The Red Brigades aimed to destabilize the capitalist system through chaos and revolution, and Moro’s kidnapping marked their most audacious attack on the state.

The 55-Day Ordeal

For 55 days, Aldo Moro was held captive in a hidden apartment. The Red Brigades forced him to write letters urging the government to negotiate. However, both the Communist Party and Christian Democratic leaders, along with Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, refused to comply with the demands, adhering to the principle that “the state does not negotiate with terrorists.”

The Discovery of Moro’s Body

On May 9, 1978, Aldo Moro’s lifeless body was found in the trunk of a car parked on Via Caetani, symbolically situated between the headquarters of the Christian Democracy and the Italian Communist Party. The Red Brigades’ choice of location highlighted their belief that both sides shared responsibility for Moro’s death.

Moro’s Legacy: A Nation’s Conscience

The assassination of Aldo Moro deeply scarred Italy’s political and social landscape. His death ended efforts toward compromise between the Christian Democrats and the Communists, increasing political polarization. The event also shook public trust in Italy’s democratic system and reignited debates over the government’s refusal to negotiate with terrorists.

Remembered not only as a political leader but also as a peacemaker and intellectual, Aldo Moro’s tragic story continues to resonate in Italy’s collective memory. Many streets, schools, and public buildings bear his name, and his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and compromise in overcoming political and social divides.