Mattia Villardita, a native of Ligurian, has been visiting the Italian pediatric wards dressed as Spiderman since 2018, bringing a smile and warmth to little patients. The President of the Italian Republic knighted him in 2020 and Pope Francis met him at the Vatican in 2021, addressing him as Spiderman and encouraging his actions as a social volunteer. Villardita wrote an autobiography and has made the rounds of storytelling about his experience in the Italian media. Because of his love for life that emanates through him - he also suffered from congenital medical issues since childhood - he has inspired sports and entertainment personalities to join his moving hospital visits. His attitude is contagious or, in Spiderman’s case—sticky! His philosophy of life? What goes around, comes around.
America Domani sat down with Mattia Villardita to learn his story. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
America Domani: At just 30 years old, you’ve already published your autobiography, Me and Spider-man: A Normal Superhero. How did you think of becoming the friendly neighborhood “Spiderman” in your community?
Mattia Villardita: In everyday life I am a port logistics employee. In my spare time, I undergo motor-muscular rehab three times a week due to congenital pathologies, including a debilitating chronic intestinal disease, from which I am suffering. The rest of the time I dedicate to children in hospitals and I join projects to which I can be supportive.The first time I entered a hospital I was seven years old. My grandfather was the first to give me a Spiderman’s comic magazine and since then I kept on dreaming about him entering through the window to address a comforting word. It was only after the fifteen operations on my right leg and arm that I made up my mind to help the little suffering ones. I think that a selfless gesture of love in volunteering is able to cure the souls of these unprotected patients in need of hope and smiles.
AD: For you, wearing a mask means taking on responsibility and empathy towards others. Do you see any similar traits with the character Peter Parker?
MV: I share with spiderman the unconditional love for my family and my friends. Peter is a simple superhero, sometimes clumsy and everyone's favorite because when you need him, he is there. In this multiverse Peter is Mattia and is a simple boy whose only superpower is that of empathy: I’m trying to walk in someone else’s shoes and I’m willing to smooth the corners of pain that an illness brings to life. My personal experience as a sick child looking for an escape zone has taught me to listen.
AD: In June 2021, you had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis in your spiderman costume. What was that experience like?
MV: I had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis, a simple and great man. I gave him the mask through whose eyes I see the everyday pain of children and he gave me a rosary that I jealously keep with me. We have spoken in intimacy and closeness: a private moment, albeit brief . . . truly intense.
AD: Mr. Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic, knighted you in 2020. What does it feel like to have that honor?
MV: I thank our President whom I carry in my heart. I am proud of such a noble title, assigned to thirty people per year only. But the priceless thing, to me, is reading happiness on my family and friends’ faces, proud of how I got up from a fall, flourishing again. Being a Knight of the Republic coincides with putting into practice positive ideals of life, always trying to be useful to our society, and maintaining a lifestyle appropriate to this honor. This means much more than a symbolic medal. It is synonymous with life guided by ethics.
AD: While superheroes are known for their bravery, fear is a common defining factor in a lot of superhero origin stories. What are some of your fears?
MV: The ignorance, malice, and indifference, at least of a part of mankind. I fight all this by example: doing good generates good. Through social networks, I spread messages about how the world can be a hostile place but that, after all, we need each other. I do like each individual’s imperfect uniqueness and I am sure that each one of us can really make a difference. Lots of drops become an ocean!
AD: With the world becoming increasingly virtual, how important is it to have in-person experiences with children?
MV: Children’s smiles and hugs are priceless, and no digital world can ever replace them. I love physical contact, presence, and being there! I’m thankful to the social media that made me get in contact with many people and different “real-life” situations. Through the years I’ve been meeting little warriors and steady families who then became an integral part of my life... that’s the real superpower!
Barbara Benzoni
Barbara Benzoni was born in Milan and lives between Rome and Tuscany. She is devoted to USA, the land of courage and innovation. She’s Peter's super-lucky mum and Ale's wife. Cinema, art, good food and only beautiful things are the themes of her existence. With a degree in Italian literature and a Masters in Sports Management she can both enjoys books and basketball matches. In 25 years she has been organizing sport events all over the world and she’s been lucky enough to meet the greatest champs ever. Curiosity in everyday life and people are her drivers. Her personal icon is Mohammed Ali : "It's not bragging if you can back it up".