Father Matteo Galli, parish priest of the “Casa di Betania” Community in Agrate, Lombardy, has written a letter to young people launching an appeal: “Hand over your weapons”. "We are tired of wars", he writes in the first few words of this letter. "We almost don't know how to express it anymore, and regrettably, this terrible problem is exacerbated by another, which we hear about in repeating news reports: assaults in the streets, homes, and even schools. Knife possession is becoming increasingly common, even among young people, and is frequently used to hurt and even kill". "Young people", says Father Matteo, "don't carry guns, but many have knives in their pockets. I recall the invitation of the then Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Martini, to the Red Brigades: ‘lay down your arms before the altar.’ Hence the invitation to our young people to deposit their knives in their churches". In the letter, Don Matteo reflects: “If you carry a weapon, a knife, sooner or later the moment will come when you use it". A young man who becomes enraged, possibly because he has been attacked or threatened, may reach for the knife without thinking twice. Carrying a weapon entails enormous responsibility. The prospect of having to protect or assert yourself with a knife provides an illusory sense of security since it allows for an escalation of violence. Hand over the knife. Be free! Take a deep breath, live your life, and seek assistance if necessary".