Italian archbishop denied meeting with slain premier before his death

March 10, 2015

An Italian archbishop has testified that, contrary to widespread reports, he did not meet with Aldo Moro before the former Italian premier was killed by Red Brigade militants in 1978.

Archbishop Antonio Mennini, who is now the apostolic nuncio to Great Britain, told an investigative commission that he had never visited the place where Moro was held captive after being kidnapped by the Red Brigades. The archbishop, who was a young priest at the time, was friendly with Moro, and there were rumors that he had heard the Italian leader’s last confession.

Archbishop Mennini testified before the commission investigating Moro’s death after Pope Francis agreed to waive the prelate’s diplomatic immunity. On previous occasions, the archbishop had declined to answer questions.

The archbishop maintained his silence, however, when questioned about hearing Moro’s confession. He reminded the commission that priests are forbidden to reveal anything about a confession, and not even the Pope can lift that seal.

 

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Further information:

• Monsignor tells commission he did not take Moro confession (ANSA)
• Daily Beast falsely claims Pope allowed priest to break confessional seal (Breitbart)
• Papal nuncio to testify about failed negotiations in 1978 kidnap-murder of former Italian premier? (CWN, 3/10)