Pier Giorgio soon developed an interest in the social and political dimension, also thanks to his father's public life. As an adolescent, he followed the events of the First World War with suffering, and was then immersed in the post-war ferment. Among young Catholics, there was a great desire to do their part in building the future of the nation. Social problems were burning, political tensions were strong. Pier Giorgio, who had a great love for peace, firmly believed in the possibility of building a just society of equality and freedom, where goods were equally distributed.
He is aware that charitable action is not enough, that problems must be solved on the level of social order. He sees in the Italian Popular Party, founded by Don Luigi Sturzo in 1919, the right instrument to pursue his ideals. After a period of "quarantine", motivated by his close relationship with Frassati, a very well-known liberal, his application for membership is accepted.
In the party he maintains his style: not front-line positions, but availability for even the most humble services. Equally ready to clean the headquarters, to go with the "flying squads" to put up posters at night (with the risk of brawls with activists of other parties), to accompany the orators in propaganda in the "hottest" places where his robust body and his calm are precious in case of need.
He is aligned with left-wing positions, in the most advanced wing of the party. He lives with passion the Popular Congress of Turin in April 1923, where collaboration with the Fascist Party is discussed.
Pier Giorgio's opinion on fascism, like that of his father who resigned as ambassador when Mussolini came to power, is very harsh. He expresses it several times, even in public, without any fear. He sees with bitterness some popular deputies compromising themselves with the regime, while he even asks to join the Catholic Youth club of Guastalla, attacked several times by fascists. He himself foils a fascist attack at home.
In these tragic, painful moments in which your homeland is trampled under foreign foot, while your antagonist occupies your homes as an enemy of the homeland, we Catholic students send you the expression of our fraternal love.
We do not have the possibility of changing the sad situation, but we feel within us the full force of our Christian love that unites us beyond the borders of all nations. [...]
Brothers, in these new trials and terrible pains, know that the great Christian family is praying for you.
Pier Giorgio Frassati Catholic University Circle “Cesare Balbo”
Letter to German students following the French occupation of the Ruhr. January 1923
I am truly indignant because you have displayed the Flag, which so many times, although unworthy, I have carried in religious processions, from the balcony to pay homage to the one who undoes charitable works, who does not put a stop to the fascists and lets the Ministers of God like Don Minzoni etc. be killed and lets other dirty things be done and tries to cover up these misdeeds by putting the Crucifix in the Schools etc. I have taken full responsibility and I have removed this Flag unfortunately late and from now I communicate to you my irrevocable resignation. I will continue with the help of God even outside the Circle, although this causes me great displeasure and I will do what little I can for the Christian Cause and for the Peace of Christ. I wish that this letter of mine, written in haste but dictated by the depths of my soul, be read at the next assembly.
With deepest esteem,
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Letter to Costantino Guardia Riva, president of the Circolo «Cesare Balbo», Turin, 24 October 1923, after Benito Mussolini’s visit to Turin. The resignation was withdrawn a month later.