Pope Francis excommunicates Italian mobsters

[Syt]

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/06/21/pope-excommunicates-mafia-members/

Pope excommunicates Italian mobsters

(CNN) - Using his strongest language to date, Pope Francis told Italian Mafia members Saturday that they are excommunicated from the Catholic Church.

"Those who in their life have gone along the evil ways, as in the case of the Mafia, they are not with God, they are excommunicated," Francis said.

It is the first time a Pope has spoken of excommunication for the Mafia.

Excommunication, which excludes Catholics from the church, can be imposed by church authorities or incurred automatically for certain grave offenses.

The Pope's remarks will resonate strongly in this part of southern Italy, where the Mafia attempt to portray themselves as upstanding religious men in good rapport with the Catholic Church, in order to maintain local credibility.

During a one-day visit to Calabria, in southern Italy, the Pope denounced the local mafia, called 'Ndrangheta, as an example of "the adoration of evil and contempt for the common good."

According to reports, 'Ndrangheta is one of the wealthiest international crime organizations, with an annual turnover of 53 billion euros, much of it from the global cocaine trade.

Calabria also suffers from 56% youth unemployment, which the Mafia exploits with promises of jobs for disillusioned young people.

"They must be told, No!" the Pope said to a crowd of over 100,000 gathered in Piana di Sibari, Calabria, for an outdoor Mass.

Prosecutor: Pope faces threat from the mafia

Earlier during his visit, Pope Francis met with relatives of a 3-year-old boy, Nicola Campolongo, who was the victim of an alleged Mafia hit in January. Nicknamed Coco, the boy was with his grandfather when they were both shot and their bodies subsequently burned in a car.

It is not the first time the Pope has spoken out against the Mafia. In March in Rome at a meeting with families of victims, the Pope called directly on Mafia bosses to repent, saying "hell ... awaits you if you continue on this road."

Some anti-mafia prosecutors have worried that mobsters may target Pope Francis, who is reforming the Vatican, including its scandal-scarred bank, the Institute for Religious Works.

"The strong will of Pope Francis, aiming to disrupt the gangrene power centers, puts him at risk. He disturbs the Mafia very much," Nicola Gratteri, an anti-mob prosecutor in Calabria, told CNN in November.

[Josephus]

The pope better add more armor to his popemobile.

[The Brain]

His security is full of holes.

[Razgovory]

Viking suddenly becomes in favor of organized crime.

[Darth Wagtaros]

Martinus suddenly becomes in favor of organized crime.

[Viking]

Viking suddenly becomes in favor of organized crime.

I'm against the 'Ndragheta using religious cover for their organized racketeering, just like I'm against  the catholic church using religious cover for their organized child abuse.

[Valmy]

This makes me think of Godfather Part III.  Damn you Pope Francis!

[CountDeMoney]

Mobsters or not, you don't fuck with the Society of Jesus.  The Sword was hardcore long before the mob was.  SHOULDA KILLED US IN 1594 BIYOTCHES

[The Brain]

Will they enforce this excommunication of Mafia members? Is it only made men or is it also their henchmen etc? Sounds like the group could be somewhat nebulous. Does the Pope expect local priests to be strict in this matter?

If the Pope talks the talk he better walk the walk. Or come across as a buffoon.

[Admiral Yi]

And if they do enforce it, will it be on only convicted members, or alleged ones as well?

[DontSayBanana]

The pope better add more armor to his popemobile.

The one he's all but retired because he believes it's a symbol of papal excess?

[CountDeMoney]

And if they do enforce it, will it be on only convicted members, or alleged ones as well?

Holy Mother Church has always been deliberate and fair when it comes to passing judgement on such matters.

[Ed Anger]

Need to handle it the old way.

[Habbaku]

 

[Josquius]

Assasinating the pope. Yes. That would really get them de-excommunicated.

It will be interesting to see how this will be followed in southern Italy. My guess: not at all.