Mourners in Rome Pay Last Respects to Italian Activist Emma Bonino

Hundreds gather in Rome to honor Emma Bonino, a pioneering advocate for abortion rights and human rights, as she lies in state at city hall.

Editorial Desk

September 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Rome, Italy — Hundreds of people gathered outside Rome’s city hall on Sunday to pay their final respects to Emma Bonino, the influential Italian politician and human rights campaigner who passed away at the age of 78.

Bonino, known for her pivotal role in legalizing abortion in a predominantly Roman Catholic country, was honored with a European Union flag and a photo placed on her casket during the lying-in-state ceremony. Mourners, including artists, activists, and supporters, lined up to express their gratitude for her contributions to feminist movements and political reform.

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She served as a European commissioner and co-founded the death penalty watchdog Hands Off Cain. Her legacy includes significant work in consumer protection policy and humanitarian efforts across conflict zones. A state funeral is planned for Tuesday, marking the end of a career that spanned over five decades of activism and public service.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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