Mattarella told a tearful man displaced by the recent quakes in Camerino that he "promise[s] commitment and work until the end".
The distressed resident responded, pleading for help.
"President, don't forget us, whose lives were changed in a moment. We lost everything, our homes and jobs," he said.
Mattarella tried to reassure the man, embracing him.
After visiting Camerino, whose ancient university was damaged by the quakes, Mattarella travelled on to the Umbrian town of Norcia, the birthplace of 5th-century Benedictine monastic order founder, St. Benedict, whose Basilica was severely damaged by the quakes.
Norcia "will return as it was before, it will be long, but it will take time," Mattarella said to applause as he visited the town.
Mattarella stated that, "we will do all that a State can do" to help return Norcia to its former splendour.
Mattarella promised Mayor Nicola Alemanno that he would help rebuild the Basilica of St. Benedict, saying "starting from there we will rebuild Norcia, safer and more beautiful".
With ANSA
