The departure from the Carabinieri of former Ivrea captain Manuel Grasso
In early September 2026 Manuel Grasso, 35, originally from Acireale, leaves active service in the Carabinieri, where he had reached the rank of major, to move to Jerusalem and begin studies in philosophy and theology leading to priestly ordination [1]. Grasso had commanded, for four years from September 2021, the Ivrea Carabinieri Company, coordinating around 170 personnel and 14 local stations, before being transferred to command the Vibo Valentia Company [1].
His career in the Carabinieri
After the Modena Military Academy and the Carabinieri Officers' School in Rome, Grasso had obtained a degree in Law, a specialisation in Security Sciences and two master's degrees, in Intelligence and in countering organised crime and corruption, at the University of Pisa [1]. Before his posting to Ivrea he had gained experience at the Operations and Radiomobile Unit of Taurianova and at the Rome Montesacro Company [1].
His tenure in Ivrea
During his command of the Ivrea Company, in the Eporediese area, Grasso had promoted systematic visits to the local stations to learn about the problems facing the small municipalities of Canavese and, in collaboration with Soroptimist International, had opened at the Ivrea-Banchette barracks the "Stanza tutta per sé" ("A Room of One's Own"), a space dedicated to listening to and welcoming women who are victims of violence, abuse and domestic mistreatment [1].
The decision to join the priesthood
Grasso described the decision as the result of a process of discernment matured over time, not linked to a sudden event: "My discernment has matured over 35 years of life [...] I have left behind all my certainties and I am giving myself the time needed to understand which is the right path to follow" [1]. In Jerusalem he began studies in philosophy and theology ahead of priestly ordination [1].
Sources
- CronacaQui Torino — 1 September 2026