Mafia excommunicated, Pope says
June 23, 2014
Mafia members are excommunicated, Pope Francis said in a dramatic homily delivered during a one-day trip to Calabria, a stronghold of the notorious ‘Ndrangheta crime syndicate.
Celebrating Mass in the town of Sibari, where Father Lazzaro Longobardi was killed in May 2013 after speaking out against organized crime, the Pope said that when one no longer worships God, “one becomes an adorer of evil, like those who live through dishonesty and violence.”
Lest anyone miss his point, the Pope made it explicit: “The ‘Ndrangheti is this: adoration of evil and disdain for the common good.” Those who choose that path, the Pope continued, “are not in communion with God; they are excommunicated!”
“We must fight this evil and expel it,” the Pope told the people of Calabria. “We must say No!”
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Further information:
- Mass in Sibari: Those Who Take the Path of Evil Are Excommunicated (VIS)
- Those Who Take the Path of Evil Are Excommunicated
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Posted by: Bveritas2322 -
Jun. 23, 2014 9:11 PM ET USA
How about excommunicating the bishops, priests, and nuns who openly and, in many cases actively, support abortion and denegrate those who work for life?
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Posted by: Defender -
Jun. 23, 2014 2:54 PM ET USA
jg: and the politicians do it for money from people and companies that could care less about people and the Church. They need to be shown the door and the bishops be made to act.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Jun. 23, 2014 12:47 PM ET USA
I have no problem with this for the simple reason that the pope is right. It seems to me, though, that if these violent killers of hundreds of innocent people are excommunicated and told they are excommunicated openly, the same should happen to those busy killing millions around the world every year, those who make their living killing babies in the womb. Equally severe words ought to be spoken to those who protect the abortion killers and their business, the politicians and judges.
