Giuseppe Gozzini

Giuseppe Gozzini (1936–2010) was a notable Italian pacifist and the first Catholic in Italy to refuse military service on conscientious grounds, an act that sparked significant public debate and influenced the country's approach to conscientious objection.^[1]

Born on July 14, 1936, in Cinisello Balsamo, near Milan and grew up in a working-class family. His father, Abele, was a welder at the Breda company. A devout Catholic, Gozzini initially pursued religious studies with the intention of becoming a priest but later chose to study law, graduating from the University of Milan in 1961.^[2][3]

In November 1962, during his mandatory military service, Gozzini refused to wear a military uniform, citing his Catholic faith and pacifist beliefs. At that time, conscientious objection was not legally recognized in Italy, and his refusal led to a six-month prison sentence . His case garnered widespread attention, with support from prominent figures such as Don Lorenzo Milani and Father Ernesto Balducci.  ^[4][5]

After his release, Gozzini became involved with the “Quaderni Rossi” group, aligning with Marxist and Catholic social thought. He was active in the 1968 student and worker movements and contributed to alternative media, focusing on anti-militarism and social justice . In 2004, he was honored with the “Spiga d’Oro” civic award by his hometown.^[6][7]

Gozzini's stand against military service paved the way for the recognition of conscientious objection in Italy, culminating in the enactment of Law 772 in 1972. His writings and activism continue to inspire discussions on pacifism and civil disobedience.^[8]