Carlos Gnocchi, priest (1902–1956)

Biography

Chaplain to the Alpines on the Greek and Russian fronts, he accompanied wounded and dying soldiers and brought the last messages to their families of those who did not return. After the war it took in orphaned children and children maimed by bombs and mines, offering them medical care, education and a decent future. Their initiative grew to form a network specialized in rehabilitation. When he died, he donated his corneas to two young blind people, an innovative gesture at the time that extended his donation until after death.