Pope Excommunicates Mafia Members

[Credo in Deum]

 

(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.

 

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

We must pray hard for our Holy Father and for the conversion of those currently in the Mafia!

 

 

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Edited June 23, 2014 by Credo in Deum

[CatherineM]

I think he needs to start using the bulletproof car.

[Dr_Asik]

Respect.

[OnlySunshine]

Just read a terrible article and I'm sort of worried for Pope Francis' safety.  Apparently, there has been at least one threat against his life since he made the excommunication statement.  JP2 made a minor statement against the mafia and several Roman Churches - including St. John Lateran (the seat of the Pope) - were bombed.  I know how the media likes to sensationalize things so I know to read this with a grain of salt, but he is our Pope and we need to pray for him - especially since he is no longer using the bulletproof car.  Hopefully, this will not be realized and the Pope will be safe.

 

http://theweek.com/article/index/263596/would-the-mafia-ever-order-a-hit-on-pope-francis

[Benedictus]

I think it's good he did this, even if only a sentiment it's a show of support for victims and communities. I think the Pope did similar when he was a Cardinal, and he has been under pressure in years past for speaking out on such issues. The mafia controls many places in Latin America, and I guess has influences globally also. 
It would be hard for priests to enforce on a local level, but some do try with great risk. I'm not sure how many mafia bosses will care much personally; they'll probably worry more about the wider implications. It probably will have an influence on some of their families and those connected to the mafia. Hopefully some will withdraw, one can hope.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Benedictus