IHH Foundation
Attorney Ulisse Antonio Pedace: A Champion of Italian Heritage and the Rights of Italians Abroad
Attorney Ulisse Antonio Pedace of Catanzaro, Italy, brings 30 years of legal experience, specializing in citizenship law, property law, inheritance and estate matters, banking law, and postal savings bonds. A frequent visitor to the United States, he has dedicated much of his work to assisting Italians and Italian Americans living abroad.
“Our Italian heritage is our identity. It is the distinguishing mark that sets us apart from other peoples.”
When we think of Ulysses, the legendary hero of Homer's Odyssey, we envision the struggles of life, the pursuit of the unknown, and the courage to overcome extraordinary challenges. Ulysses represents intelligence, determination, and an unwavering desire for knowledge.
Dante Alighieri immortalized this spirit in Canto XXVI of The Divine Comedy, writing:
“Consider your origins: you were not made to live as brutes, but to pursue virtue and knowledge.”
These words offer a fitting introduction to Attorney Ulisse Antonio Pedace, a distinguished legal professional from Catanzaro, Calabria, whose character reflects many of these same qualities.
During our recorded Zoom interview, Attorney Pedace immediately impressed us with his warmth, approachable personality, determination, and deep commitment to protecting Italians living abroad.
With an impressive professional background spanning three decades, he speaks with the calm confidence of someone conversing among longtime friends. His occasional use of Latin legal expressions reflects not a desire to impress, but the depth of knowledge gained through years of practicing law.
His areas of expertise include Italian citizenship, property rights, inheritance and succession, banking law, and postal savings bonds.
Attorney Pedace frequently travels to the United States, where he has assisted Italian citizens and Italian Americans in navigating complex legal matters. His presence provides a valuable opportunity for individuals abroad to consult directly with an experienced Italian attorney who understands their language, culture, and legal concerns.
Ulisse Antonio Pedace is a man dedicated to justice and the rule of law. Throughout his career, he has worked to resolve the legal challenges faced by fellow Italians abroad, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical solutions.
For Italian Americans, finding a trustworthy attorney in Italy who understands both their legal needs and their cultural identity can be difficult. Attorney Pedace recognizes this responsibility and approaches even the most delicate matters with determination and compassion.
A Deep Connection to Italian Americans
Attorney Pedace has long admired the United States for its extraordinary ability to welcome people from different backgrounds and celebrate cultural diversity.
He has had the privilege of assisting numerous Italian Americans in their often complicated journeys to rediscover and formally recognize their Italian citizenship and heritage.
Discussing Italian citizenship law, he acknowledges that previous regulations allowed broader access to citizenship by descent. Over the years, legislative reforms have significantly changed the process, including the changes introduced through the 2025 Tajani legislation.
According to Pedace, obtaining Italian citizenship has become considerably more difficult for many Italian Americans, particularly those tracing their ancestry through earlier generations.
His concern for Italian Americans is deeply rooted in history.
He recalls the hardships endured by generations of Italian immigrants who left their homeland seeking better opportunities, only to encounter discrimination, prejudice, and social exclusion.
Their struggles and sacrifices remain an essential part of the Italian-American story.
Inspired by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro
Attorney Pedace has always been fascinated by the remarkable life of Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, a Sicilian physician born during the second half of the 19th century in a small town in the Madonie Mountains of Palermo province.
A man of exceptional intelligence and determination, Sellaro pursued medical studies in Naples before emigrating to the United States.
Settling in New York City, he continued his medical education at Cornell Medical School and established himself as a physician.
His work included research into diabetes and cancer, and he eventually opened a private gynecology practice in Manhattan's Little Italy neighborhood.
Dr. Sellaro became one of the most influential figures in Italian-American history through his founding of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), an organization dedicated to improving the social standing, opportunities, and civil rights of Italian Americans.
As a physician, Sellaro recognized a serious problem affecting Italian immigrants receiving treatment in American hospitals.
Many spoke primarily Sicilian, Calabrian, or other regional Italian dialects and struggled to communicate with English-speaking doctors and medical staff.
Language barriers frequently resulted in misunderstandings, inadequate care, and potentially dangerous medical complications.
Determined to address this problem, Sellaro organized a committee of bilingual Italian- and English-speaking physicians and subsequently founded the Columbus Italian Hospital, where Italian immigrants could receive medical care in a language they understood.
For his extraordinary contributions, Sellaro was awarded the title of Cavaliere by the Italian government.
In 1929, New York Governor Alfred E. Smith presented him with the keys to New York City in recognition of his medical and social contributions to the Italian-American community.
Attorney Pedace views individuals such as Dr. Sellaro as powerful examples of leadership, service, and commitment to one's heritage.
Providing Legal Guidance Across Borders
Attorney Pedace believes that having access to qualified legal representation in Italy offers Italian Americans greater confidence when navigating the country's complex legal and administrative systems.
He expresses concern about changes to the Italian citizenship process, particularly the shifting responsibilities of government offices and the additional bureaucratic challenges applicants may encounter.
He emphasizes that experienced legal counsel can help individuals understand their options, navigate court proceedings when appropriate, and avoid unnecessary complications.
Above all, he encourages Italians throughout the world to remain united.
He firmly believes that unity is the key to overcoming even the most difficult challenges.
Building Connections Within the Italian-American Community
During one of his visits to New York, Attorney Pedace met prominent Italian-American journalist Cav. Josephine Buscaglia Maietta, President of the Association of Italian American Educators (AIAE).
He describes Josephine as a woman of extraordinary energy and dedication.
She is also the producer and host of Sabato Italiano, a radio program broadcast through Hofstra University's radio station in New York.
The station has received five Marconi Awards and recognition from UNESCO.
Attorney Pedace has appeared on the program several times, sharing his legal knowledge and experiences with an international audience.
Affectionately regarded by some Italian Americans as “The Ulysses of the States,” he is recognized for his commitment to defending the rights of his fellow Italians and his pride in their shared heritage.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Attorney Pedace takes great pride in his family: his wife, Federica, and their children, Alessia and Alfredo. His son Alfredo has been living in Sydney, Australia, since January 2026.
Italian Heritage: An Identity That Crosses Oceans
As our interview draws to a close, Attorney Pedace shares a heartfelt message with Italians living throughout the world—from Europe and the Americas to the distant shores of Australia.
He expresses immense pride in the extraordinary accomplishments of Italians across countless fields, including culture, physics, science, medicine, and the arts.
He encourages future generations to continue striving for excellence, to remain determined, and never to surrender their dreams.
Reflecting on his son's experience in Australia, he expresses particular admiration for the strength and organization of the Italian-Australian community.
He sees their dedication to cultural associations and community involvement as an inspiring example for Italians everywhere.
Their commitment demonstrates that even across oceans and generations, the bonds of heritage remain strong.
Italians throughout the world continue to look upon one another as brothers and sisters, united by shared traditions, values, and memories.
They will never forget the homeland from which they came, nor the countries that welcomed them and provided opportunities for a better life.
Attorney Pedace concludes with a powerful reminder:
“Our Italian heritage is our identity. It is the distinguishing mark that sets us apart from other peoples.”
His message is one of pride, unity, perseverance, and gratitude—a celebration of the enduring spirit of Italians around the world.