An Italian archbishop has banned people with links to the mafia from being godfathers at baptisms in his diocese.
According to AFP Archbishop Michele Pennisi, who leads the Archdiocese of Monreale (cathedral, above) near Palermo in Sicily, wants to reclaim the word back from organised crime syndicates who use 'godfather' to denote its leaders or respected members.
Sicily is the original home of the Italian mafia.
It comes after he previously received death threats and required police protection, after he publicly rebuked one of his priests for allowing a known mobster to be a godfather at his niece's baptism.
Archbishop Michele told the news agency: "The mafia has always taken the term godfather from the Church to give its bosses an air of religious respectability.
"Whereas in fact, the two worlds are completely incompatible.
"If someone has not been convicted we cannot judge people on rumours, without proof. If one of them admits to having done wrong, asks to be pardoned for the bad they have done - in that case we can discuss a path of conversion.
Pope Francis has previously said people who're part of the mafia are 'excommunicated' from the Catholic Church until they renounce ties with it.
Article by Aaron James
Tola Mbakwe is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
