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Raoul Bova
Raoul Bova
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Raoul Bova (Italian pronunciation: [ˈraul ˈbɔːva]; born 14 August 1971) is an Italian actor. Bova's European film breakthrough was in the 1993 film Piccolo grande amore, and he's played romantic male leads in the following years. His American film credits include Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), Alien vs. Predator (2004) and The Tourist (2010).

Key Information

Life and career

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Bova was born in Rome to a father from Roccella Ionica in Calabria and a mother from Acerra in Campania.[1] At the age of 16, Bova became a local champion in the 100-metre backstroke.[citation needed] At the age of 21 he joined the Italian Army and performed his military duty in the Bersaglieri (sharpshooters) corps.[citation needed] He enrolled in the ISEF, the Italian Institute of Physical Education, but dropped out to pursue a career in acting.[2] He studied at the school of Beatrice Bracco in Rome and also studied acting with Michael Margotta.[3]

After making his Italian television debut, Bova starred as a hunky watersports instructor in the 1993 romantic comedy film Pretty Princess.[4] The following years, Bova played many leading roles in Italian romantic films.[4] In 2002, he made his American film debut, appearing in the crime comedy Avenging Angelo. The following year, Bova played Diane Lane's love interest in the comedy-drama film Under the Tuscan Sun. In 2004, he co-starred opposite Sanaa Lathan in the science fiction film Alien vs. Predator.[5] His other notable American film credits include The Tourist (2010), and All Roads Lead to Rome opposite Sarah Jessica Parker.[6]

On television, Bova had a recurring role in the ABC comedy-drama What About Brian from 2006 to 2007, and in 2018 starred as Pope Sixtus IV in the British-Italian period drama Medici. In 2019, he starred opposite Kate del Castillo in the Telemundo/Netflix crime drama series La Reina del Sur.[7]

Personal life

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In March 2000, he married Chiara Giordano. In 2013, Bova and Giordano separated.[8] That same year, he started dating actress Rocío Muñoz Morales, after the two had met on the film set of Immaturi – Il viaggio (2012).[9] They had their first child in December 2015, the same month their film All Roads Lead to Rome was released.[9]

On 15 October 2010, Bova was nominated Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Bova is Roman Catholic.[10]

In the Media

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Bova is known as one of Italy's handsomest men. He was dubbed "Sexiest Actor Alive" by Glamour Magazine. He was ranked #13 in the "World's Sexiest Men" list in 2008.

Filmography

[edit]
Bova in Scusa ma ti chiamo amore (2008)

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Director Notes
1992 Crazy Underwear Rocco Roberto D'Agostino
When We Were Repressed Unknown Pino Quartullo Uncredited
1993 Cominciò tutto per caso Romolo Umberto Marino
Pretty Princess Marco Carlo Vanzina
1995 Palermo - Milan One Way Nino Di Venanzio Claudio Fragasso Flaiano Prizes for Best Actor
Nominated — David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actor
1996 The Nymph Pietro Lina Wertmüller
The Border Emidio Olrich Franco Giraldi
La lupa Nanni Lasca Gabriele Lavia
1997 Hercules Hercules (voice) Ron Clements, John Musker Italian dub
The Mayor Rafiluccio Ugo Fabrizio Giordani
1998 Coppia omicida Dario Claudio Fragasso
Rewind Paul Mansart Sergio Gobbi
1999 Terra bruciata Francesco Loreano/ Tom Grasso Fabio Segatori
2001 The Knights of the Quest Giacomo Pupi Avati
2002 Avenging Angelo Marcello/ Gianni Carboni Martyn Burke
2003 Facing Windows Lorenzo Ferzan Özpetek
Under the Tuscan Sun Marcello Audrey Wells
2004 Alien vs. Predator Sebastian De Rosa Paul W. S. Anderson
2005 Stasera lo faccio Professor Alessio Gelsini Torresi
2006 Ice on Fire Fabrizio Umberto Marino
2007 I, the Other Giuseppe Mohsen Melliti Italian Golden Globe Award for Best Actor
Milano - Palermo: Il ritorno Nino di Venanzio Claudio Fragasso
2008 Scusa ma ti chiamo amore Alex Belli Federico Moccia
Bolt Bolt (voice) Chris Williams, Byron Howard Italian dub
Aspettando il sole Enea Ago Panini
2009 Sbirri Matteo Gatti Roberto Burchielli Nastro d'Argento Special Silver Ribbon
Baarìa Journalist Giuseppe Tornatore Cameo appearance
2010 La bella società Romolo Gian Paolo Cugno
Sorry If I Want to Marry You Alex Belli Federico Moccia
La nostra vita Piero Daniele Luchetti Nominated — David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actor
Ti presento un amico Marco Ferretti Carlo Vanzina
The Tourist Filippo Gaggia Florian Henckel von Donnersmark
2011 The Immature Giorgio Romanini Paolo Genovese
Escort in Love Giulio Massimiliano Bruno Italian Golden Globe Award for Best Actor
Nominated — Nastro d'Argento for Best Actor
2012 The Immature: The Trip Giorgio Romanini Paolo Genovese
Viva l'Italia Riccardo Spagnolo Massimiliano Bruno
2013 Out of the Blue Andrea Edoardo Leo Nominated — Nastro d'Argento for Best Actor
Guess Who's Coming for Christmas? Francesco Fausto Brizzi
2014 Unique Brothers Pietro Alessio Maria Federici
Do You See Me? Francesco Riccardo Milani
2015 Ever Been to the Moon? Renzo Paolo Genovese
The Choice Giorgio Michele Placido
Torno indietro e cambio vita Marco Damiani Carlo Vanzina
2016 All Roads Lead to Rome Luca Ella Lemhagen
2019 The Addams Family Uncle Fester (voice) Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon Italian dub
2022 The Christmas Show Pierre Alberto Ferrari
Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers Chip (voice) Akiva Schaffer Italian dub
2024 Still Fabulous Donato Michela Andreozzi

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1992 Una storia italiana Giuliano Amitrano Miniseries; 2 episodes
1995–1998 La piovra Gianni Breda Main role (season 7-9)
1998 Il quarto re Alazhar Television film
Ultimo Roberto "Ultimo" Di Stefano Miniseries; 2 episodes
1999 Ultimo – La sfida Miniseries; 2 episodes
2000 Distretto di Polizia Ferdinando Episode: "L'agguato"
2001 Il testimone Marco Basile Miniseries; 2 episodes
2002 Francesca e Nunziata Federico Montorsi Television film
St. Francis Francesco Miniseries; 2 episodes
Scherzi a parte Himself Episode: "Episode 1"
2003 Ultimo – L'infiltrato Roberto "Ultimo" Miniseries; 2 episodes
2005 Karol: A Man Who Became Pope Tomasz Zaleski Miniseries; 2 episodes
2006 Attacco allo Stato Diego Marra Miniseries; 2 episodes
2006–2007 What About Brian Angelo Recurring role; 7 episodes
2007 Nassiryia – Per non dimenticare Stefano Carboni Miniseries; 2 episodes
The Company Roberto Escalona Episode: "Episode 3"
2008 I Cesaroni Himself Episode: "La posta del cuore"
15 Seconds Actor Short film; also producer
2009 Intelligence: Servizi & segreti Marco Tancredi Main role; 6 episodes
2011 Treasure Guards Angelo Television film
2011–2013 Come un delfino Alessandro Dominici Main role; 6 episodes
2013 Ultimo – L'occhio del falco Roberto "Ultimo" Miniseries; 2 episodes
Family Guy Mafia leader (voice) Episode: "Boopa-dee Bappa-dee"
2014 Angeli – Una storia d'amora Claudio Television film
2016 Fuoco Amico TF45 – Eroe per amore Enea De Santis Main role; 8 episodes, also producer
2018 Medici Pope Sixtus IV Main role (season 2); 6 episodes
Ultimo – Caccia ai Narcos Roberto "Ultimo" Miniseries; 2 episodes
2019 La Reina del Sur Francesco Belmondo Main role; 58 episodes
2021–2023 Buongiorno mamma Guido Borghi Lead role; 24 episodes
2022–present Don Matteo Father Massimo Main role (seasons 13–present)
2023 Belve Himself Interview (season 9)
2024–2025 Emily in Paris Giancarlo Recurring role, 5 episodes

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Raoul Bova (born 14 August 1971) is an Italian actor renowned for his versatile performances in cinema and , spanning romantic leads, action heroes, and dramatic roles in both domestic and international productions. Born in to parents originally from , Bova initially pursued competitive , becoming a local champion in the 100-meter at age 16, before serving in the Italian Army's regiment as a . He briefly studied at the University of La Sapienza but left after two years to train in acting at the Beatrice Bracco drama school and under coach , marking his transition to a career in the arts. Bova made his acting debut in 1993 with the Italian miniseries Una storia italiana, directed by Stefano Reali, and quickly rose to prominence in Italian television through roles in popular series such as La piovra (1995–1998) as Vice-commissario Gianni Breda (season 7) and Capt. Carlo Arcuti (season 8). His early film work included supporting parts alongside international stars like Sophia Loren in Mario, Maria e Mario (1993) and Anthony Quinn in 7 km da Gerusalemme (2007). By the early 2000s, Bova gained wider recognition in Italy for romantic and dramatic films like La finestra di fronte (Facing Windows, 2003) and Baarìa (2009), directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. Internationally, Bova expanded his profile with roles in Hollywood productions, including the action-horror film (2004) as archaeologist Sebastian de Rosa and a supporting part in The Tourist (2010) alongside and . He also appeared in the Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) as Marcello, opposite , and later took on historical and contemporary TV roles such as in Medici (2019) and Giancarlo in (2024). In addition to acting, Bova was appointed as a for the (FAO) in 2010, reflecting his involvement in humanitarian causes. With approximately 90 acting credits as of 2025, he remains a prominent figure in Italian entertainment, often portraying charismatic and introspective characters.

Early life and education

Family and upbringing

Raoul Bova was born on August 14, 1971, in , . His father, Giuseppe Bova, hailed from Roccella Ionica in , while his mother, Rosa, originated from Acerra in , infusing the family with strong southern Italian roots despite their Roman residence. Bova grew up in a middle-class, white-collar in , where his father worked as an employee for , Italy's national airline, and his mother served as a housewife. The included two sisters, with whom Bova maintains close ties, reflecting the emphasis on familial bonds in his upbringing. This environment provided a stable, urban setting that shaped his early years. From a young age, Bova was deeply influenced by the vibrant Roman culture surrounding him, including its historical landmarks, lively neighborhoods, and traditional Italian family values centered on loyalty, education, and community. He has often described himself as a "real Roman" who feels inextricably tied to the city, unable to imagine living elsewhere, underscoring how his childhood fostered a profound sense of local identity.

Athletic pursuits and initial career interests

During his teenage years in , Raoul Bova pursued competitive with significant dedication, training rigorously and competing at a high level. At age 16, he achieved a major milestone by winning the Italian national championship in the 100-meter while representing the S.S. Lazio swimming team, one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious sports clubs. This victory not only showcased his talent and physical prowess but also established him as a promising young athlete in the local sports community. Building on his athletic foundation, Bova fulfilled his compulsory military service in the at age 21, enlisting in the elite corps, renowned for its sharpshooting expertise and rigorous training. His service as a demanded the same discipline, focus, and precision he had honed through years of , further emphasizing his early commitment to physically demanding pursuits. With an eye toward a future in sports-related professions, Bova subsequently enrolled at the Istituto Superiore di Educazione Fisica (ISEF), Italy's leading institution for , intending to study and qualify for a career in sports coaching or . He left the program after two years to pursue . This academic path aligned directly with his passion for athletics, positioning him to leverage his competitive experience in mentoring and developing talent in the field.

Acting career

Breakthrough and early roles

After initially enrolling in the Istituto Superiore di Educazione Fisica (ISEF) in to pursue a career in , Bova decided to abandon his studies and transition to , training at the Beatrice Bracco drama school in the city and further honing his skills with coach . This shift marked the beginning of his professional commitment to the , leveraging his background as a competitive swimmer to cultivate an on-screen presence characterized by athleticism and charisma. Bova made his acting debut in the 1993 Italian television film Una storia italiana, directed by Stefano Reali, where he portrayed the character Giuliano Amitrano in a story centered on post-war . This initial role provided him with early exposure in domestic broadcasting, setting the stage for subsequent opportunities in Italian media. His breakthrough came the following year with the 1993 Piccolo grande amore (internationally known as Pretty Princess), directed by Carlo Vanzina, in which Bova played Marco, a handsome watersports instructor who becomes the love interest of a young Scandinavian princess escaping an . The film, shot in and featuring co-star Barbara Snellenburg, highlighted Bova's appeal as a romantic lead and contributed significantly to his rising popularity in . Throughout the mid-1990s, Bova solidified his reputation through roles in prominent Italian television miniseries, notably appearing as Vice-Commissario Gianni Breda in (1995–1998), a long-running crime drama exploring influence in . These performances established him as a charismatic and versatile romantic figure in domestic productions, paving the way for broader recognition within the Italian entertainment industry.

International film work

Bova's foundation in Italian cinema, where he gained prominence through romantic and dramatic roles, facilitated his shift to English-language and international productions in the early 2000s, broadening his appeal beyond domestic audiences. His Hollywood breakthrough came in 2003 with the Under the Tuscan Sun, directed by and based on ' memoir. In the film, Bova portrayed Marcello, a charismatic Italian contractor who becomes the love interest to Diane Lane's protagonist, an American writer rediscovering life in after a . The role highlighted Bova's on-screen charm and contributed to the film's warm reception for its picturesque depiction of Italian locales and themes of renewal. Expanding into action genres, Bova starred in the 2004 science fiction film Alien vs. Predator, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. He played Sebastian de Rosa, an Italian archaeologist leading an expedition that uncovers an ancient pyramid, only to become ensnared in a deadly conflict between Aliens and Predators. Co-starring Sanaa Lathan and Lance Henriksen, the movie blended horror and adventure elements, showcasing Bova's versatility in a high-profile ensemble. Bova's international presence continued with supporting roles in major thrillers and comedies. In 2010, he appeared in The Tourist, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, as Conte Filippo Gaggia, a determined Italian police inspector pursuing leads amid the Venice-set intrigue involving Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. The film, a remake of the French Anthony Zimmer, emphasized mistaken identities and espionage in a glamorous European backdrop. Later, in the 2015 romantic comedy All Roads Lead to Rome, directed by Ella Lemhagen, Bova took the lead as Luca, a Tuscan local who reunites with his past love (Sarah Jessica Parker) during a chaotic family road trip across Italy. This project, blending humor and heartfelt reunions, further solidified his draw in cross-cultural narratives. Throughout these works, Bova collaborated with Italian legends like Sophia Loren and Ornella Muti in projects that bridged domestic and global storytelling, enhancing his reputation in diverse cinematic landscapes.

Television and recent projects

Bova made his American television debut with a recurring role as Angelo Varzi, the charming Italian husband navigating marital tensions, in the ABC dramedy series What About Brian, which aired from 2006 to 2007. In 2018, he portrayed Pope Sixtus IV, the ambitious and politically astute pontiff, in the second season of the historical drama Medici: Masters of Florence, a Netflix and RAI co-production that explored Renaissance Florence's power struggles. Bova took on an antagonistic yet charismatic role as Francesco "Lupo" Belmondo, a sophisticated Sicilian businessman entangled in the drug trade, in the second season of the Telemundo/Netflix crime series La Reina del Sur in 2019, marking his entry into Spanish-language television. From 2022 onward, Bova has starred as the lead in the long-running Italian procedural Don Matteo, playing Father Massimo Sartori (also known as Matteo Mezzanotte), a priest with a mysterious past who assists in solving crimes in the town of Gubbio; the series continued with its 14th season in 2024, with the 15th season scheduled for 2026. In recent years, Bova appeared as Giancarlo, a suave Roman director and former professor, in a guest role during the Rome-set episodes of Netflix's Emily in Paris season 4 in 2024. He also featured in the 2024 romantic comedy film Still Fabulous as Donato, a role that underscored his continued presence in contemporary Italian cinema. In 2025, Bova starred as Guido Borghi in the third season of the family drama Buongiorno, Mamma!, further solidifying his commitment to Italian television productions.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Raoul Bova married Italian actress Chiara Giordano in 2000. The couple divorced in 2013 after 13 years of marriage. Following his divorce, Bova began a relationship with Spanish actress in 2013, having met her on the set of the film Immaturi - Il viaggio. The pair frequently appeared together at high-profile events, including the . During their relationship, they welcomed a daughter in December 2015. In early 2025, Bova and Muñoz Morales announced their separation after 12 years together, describing it as amicable with a focus on co-parenting. By November 2025, Bova was reported to be single, having reached a quick agreement on custody and financial arrangements.

Family and children

Raoul Bova is the father of four children from two relationships. With his former wife Chiara Giordano, he has two sons: Alessandro Leon, born on January 29, 2000, and , born in 2001. With his former partner , he has two daughters: Luna, born on December 2, 2015, and Alma, born on November 1, 2018. Bova has publicly discussed the challenges and joys of fatherhood, emphasizing his commitment to being a present despite his demanding acting schedule. In a 2025 interview, he stated that he strives to listen attentively to his children and support their passions, teaching them to love what they do while balancing professional commitments that sometimes require family adjustments, such as temporary relocations for filming. He has described his children as a source of strength during personal difficulties, including the loss of his , noting that they provided emotional salvation in tough times. In 2025, following his separation from Muñoz Morales, Bova reached a swift agreement on shared custody arrangements for Luna and Alma, ensuring continued involvement in their lives alongside provisions for housing and financial support. His older sons, Alessandro—a digital artist—and —a DJ known as Frank Tonic—have pursued creative careers, reflecting Bova's influence in fostering independence while navigating public recognition as his children.

Public image and recognition

Media portrayal and popularity

Raoul Bova has long been celebrated in Italian media for his striking Mediterranean features, often highlighted in coverage of his romantic on-screen personas. His roles as charismatic leads in films like Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), where he portrayed a suave Italian love interest, have contributed to this image, drawing frequent attention from tabloids and entertainment press for blending physical appeal with emotional depth. Bova's fitness regimen, particularly his daily one-hour Reformer Pilates sessions, has been a staple in lifestyle media, positioning him as a model of disciplined wellness at age 53. Outlets like Men's Health Italia have profiled how this routine—combining stretching, posture work, and —helps him maintain balance amid a demanding schedule, influencing discussions on male health in . His understated yet elegant style, favoring well-fitted shirts often paired with leather jackets or subtle accessories, has inspired Italian commentary as an accessible take on Mediterranean . Features in Vanity Fair Italia and style guides emphasize Bova's preference for quality basics over ostentation, subtly shaping trends in casual menswear. In 2024, Bova's casting as the confident Roman director Giancarlo in Emily in Paris Season 4 generated significant international buzz, with premieres in showcasing his role in shifting the series' narrative to . Media outlets covered the event's glamour, including cast appearances by the , amplifying his appeal as a sophisticated heartthrob. By 2025, post-breakup scrutiny intensified following the leak of private audios and messages involving Bova and influencer Martina Ceretti, published by media figure . Italian press, including Il Messaggero, detailed the ensuing legal probe for extortion and the strain on Bova's separation from Rocio Muñoz Morales, thrusting his into tabloid focus amid claims of long-standing split.

Awards and philanthropy

Throughout his career, Raoul Bova has received several nominations and awards from prestigious Italian film institutions, recognizing his contributions to cinema. He earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 1996 David di Donatello Awards for his role in Palermo-Milan One Way. In 2011, Bova was nominated for at the same awards for his performance in La nostra vita. Additionally, he won the award at the 2008 Italian Golden Globe Awards for Scusa ma ti chiamo amore. Bova was also nominated for at the 2010 Globo d'Oro Awards for La nostra vita. In 2010, Bova was appointed a for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the , a role in which he has advocated for , alleviation, and initiatives like the 1billionhungry petition to combat global hunger. As part of this commitment, he promoted the annual Run for Food marathon to raise awareness and funds for anti-hunger efforts. Bova has actively participated in UNICEF campaigns, including posing for a 2008 charity calendar to support child health initiatives and appearing as a guest at the 2023 UNICEF Italy gala "Noi e..." to promote solidarity and entertainment for fundraising. His philanthropic efforts extend to environmental causes in and beyond. Bova co-founded the Captain Ultimo Foundation, which combats , including illegal waste disposal and environmental trafficking. He has also supported the "Vento e Sole" project in collaboration with laureate , aimed at developing sources in rural communities.

Filmography

Films

Bova began his film career in the early , transitioning from television appearances to feature films with roles that highlighted his charisma and romantic appeal. His breakthrough came in 1993 with Piccolo grande amore, where he portrayed Marco, a charming instructor who becomes the love interest for a young princess escaping an arranged marriage. In the late and early , Bova appeared in several Italian productions, including Coppia omicida () as Dario, a husband entangled in a murder mystery; Rewind () as Paul Mansart, an amnesiac uncovering his past; and Terra bruciata (1999) in dual roles as Francesco Loreano and Tom Grasso, brothers divided by crime and redemption. Bova gained international recognition in 2003 with Under the Tuscan Sun, playing , the handsome Italian love interest who sweeps the protagonist into a Tuscan romance. The following year, he took on a action-oriented role in Alien vs. Predator (2004) as Sebastian de Rosa, a linguist and leading an expedition into an ancient where extraterrestrial creatures clash. In 2010, Bova appeared in the thriller The Tourist as Conte Filippo Gaggia, a mysterious Italian inspector pursuing leads in a web of and mistaken identities. Later films include (2015), where he starred as Luca, a former lover reconnecting with an during a chaotic through . His most recent major role was in 2024's Still Fabulous, portraying Donato, a married executive in a about self-discovery and forbidden attraction.

Television

Raoul Bova's television career spans over three decades, beginning with prominent roles in Italian crime dramas and miniseries during the 1990s, evolving to international series in the and beyond. His early work established him as a leading figure in Italian TV, often portraying characters entangled in mafia-related plots. In the mid-1990s, Bova gained recognition for his role as Commissioner Gianni Breda in season 7 (1995) of the acclaimed Italian miniseries (The Octopus). He later played Captain Carlo Arcuti in seasons 8 and 9 (1997–1998), depicting a determined officer combating in a narrative spanning and beyond. Bova's international breakthrough came with the ABC dramedy (2006–2007), where he portrayed Angelo Moretti, a charismatic Italian-American navigating romantic entanglements and friendships in a recurring capacity over 7 episodes, marking his debut in American television. Shifting to historical drama, Bova starred as in season 2 of the series Medici: Masters of (2018), appearing in 8 episodes as the cunning pontiff whose political machinations drive conflicts with the Medici family during the . In 2019, Bova joined the / crime thriller La Reina del Sur for its second season, playing Francesco "Lupo" Belmondo, a sophisticated Italian criminal ally to the protagonist Mendoza, across 58 episodes, adding depth to the show's global drug trade storyline through his character's strategic alliances and betrayals. From 2022 onward, Bova has led the long-running Italian procedural as Father Massimo Sartori (also known as Matteo Mezzanotte), a with a hidden past as a agent who solves crimes in small-town settings; he appeared in 16 episodes across seasons 13 and 14 (2022–2024), with season 15 confirmed for 2026 (filming began in 2025, including a cameo by his son Francesco). In 2024, Bova made a in season 4 of Netflix's as Giancarlo, a suave Roman commercial director and former to Sylvie, featured in 1 episode ("") that explores romantic tensions during a business trip to Italy. No additional TV projects for Bova have been announced as of November 2025 beyond his ongoing commitment to .

References

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