Modena, July 23, 2026 – A vigil in the Cathedral for Monica Esposito, who died two months after the attack on May 16 in the center of Modena. The initiative is jointly promoted by Mayor Mezzetti and Bishop Don Erio Castellucci to express solidarity and closeness to the family.
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The vigil will be held this evening at 9:30 PM, in Modena Cathedral. It is a moment of reflection open to all citizens. A moment for the entire Modenese community to express solidarity and closeness to the family in these hours of great sorrow.
That tragic afternoon of May 16
On that tragic afternoon of terror in via Emilia Centro, the car driven by Salim El Koudri sped into the pedestrian area, hitting the crowd and causing several serious injuries. Among them was Monica Esposito, 55, from Nonantola, who was seriously injured in the impact.
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The desperate struggle between life and death
After more than two months of hospitalization in intensive care and a desperate struggle between life and death – first at Maggiore Hospital in Bologna and finally at Baggiovara Civil Hospital – her condition unfortunately worsened until her death. This news deeply shook the entire province, prompting institutions and the local Church to organize the religious service in the Cathedral. While awaiting the funeral, for which the Municipality has already announced the proclamation of city mourning, this evening’s vigil will represent the city’s first collective embrace in memory of the woman and her loved ones.
