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Major Scandal Rocks the Italian Catholic Church: Bishops Accused of Funding Illegal Immigration
RAIR ^ | December 30, 2023 | Amy Mek December 30, 2023

Posted on 12/31/2023 5:21:10 AM PST by RaceBannon

The Catholic Church, akin to George Soros, is now under scrutiny for its involvement in financing the illegal invasion of Europe.

Rome, Italy – A significant scandal has recently emerged within the Italian Catholic Church, implicating high-ranking church officials, including cardinals and archbishops, in a scheme of organizing and financing illegal migration from Africa to Europe. Investigations led by the prosecutor’s office in Ragusa, Sicily, have uncovered troubling connections between several Italian dioceses and the George Soros-tied NGO “SOS Mediterranea,” accused of aiding and abetting human trafficking under the guise of refugee aid.

Financial Ties and Controversial Figures The investigations have revealed that these dioceses channeled at least €2 million into operations alleged to support illegal migration. Notably, some funds reportedly ended up in the personal accounts of pro-immigration activists. Key figures implicated include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna, Archbishop Corrado Lorefice of Palermo, Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples, Archbishop Erio Castellucci of Modena, and Archbishop Giovanni Ricchiuti of Altamury. Additionally, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg is also on the donor list, having contributed €25,000 to these questionable activities.

Luca Casarini: The Radical Leftist Linchpin Central to this scandal is Luca Casarini, a prominent left-wing activist and a key figure in the NGO “SOS Mediterranea.” Known for his involvement in the 2001 G8 summit protests in Genoa, Casarini has long been under scrutiny for his radical methods and unscrupulous tactics in illegal migrant transportation. These protests, marked by violence and chaos, highlighted his controversial role in the activist community.

In recent years, Casarini has been instrumental in the operations of “SOS Mediterranea,” an organization often working with other left-wing NGO groups like Antifa-tied “Sea-Watch.” These radical groups, have been accused of illegally ferrying migrants from Africa to Europe, raising significant concerns about the legality and ethics of their operations. As reported previously at RAIR, video evidence exposes the coordination between NGO migrant ferries and illegal human traffickers. The human traffickers even advertise their illegal services on left-wing Facebook. Casarini’s deep involvement in these activities has made him a central figure in the ongoing controversy surrounding the role of NGOs in the European migrant crisis.

Luca Casarini, a special synod guest from the aid organization Mediterranea Saving Humans, speaks during a briefing about the assembly of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican on Oct. 11, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) Casarini and five other individuals working for Mediterranea are under investigation in Sicily for a 2020 incident involving the Mare Jonio ship. At that time, they disembarked 27 migrants in a Sicilian port without permission, following a transaction with the Danish company Maersk. Prosecutors allege this was a payoff in violation of Italian immigration laws, further complicating the ethical landscape of these operations.

Pope Francis’ Involvement and Criticism Adding to the controversy, Pope Francis‘ interactions with Casarini have drawn criticism and raised eyebrows. Despite his lack of active involvement in Church life, the Pope’s decision to invite Casarini to participate in the Vatican Synod of Bishops in 2019 has been seen as an endorsement of these left-wing globalist practices.

In a move that further intensified debate, Pope Francis notably received a life jacket with a crucifix from Casarini, a gesture interpreted as a symbol of support for the NGO’s activities. This act, along with the Pope’s public welcoming of illegal migrants in Lampedusa, has added to his anti-European stance on migration policies. These actions have not only been a topic of intense debate within the Church but have also sparked discussions on a broader societal level, questioning the Church’s role and stance in illegal migration and refugee aid.

Critics argue that such gestures by the Pope encourage illegal migration and conflict with the interests of European states grappling with illegal mass migration challenges. These incidents underscore the complexities of the Church’s involvement in geopolitical issues, particularly in the realm of illegals and caring more about their well-being than the citizens of Europe.

Church Asylum and Human Smuggling: An Alarming Nexus This scandal highlights the misuse of “church asylum,” with radical left-wing, anti-European smuggling NGOs like Mediterranea receiving clerical support. Intercepted phone calls revealed that activists privately expressed disdain for the bishops while adopting a reverent tone in direct interactions. Casarini’s right-hand man, Giuseppe Caccia, made derogatory comments about the bishops, and Casarini himself mocked the value of the Pope’s letters of support.

Cynical View of the Church by Activists A troubling aspect of this scandal is the notion that Mediterranea activists treated the Church as a mere funding source. Intercepts revealed admissions of using church money for personal expenses like rent, thus avoiding regular employment, reflecting a deeply cynical exploitation of the Church’s resources.

The Fallout: Decreased Donations and Damaged Credibility The scandal threatens to undermine the Church’s credibility. There is growing concern that parishioners may stop donating during Mass, fearing their contributions are funding illegal immigration rather than pastoral activities. This situation poses a serious warning against the Church engaging in financing ideological projects.

Debate on Bishops’ Motivations The scandal has intensified the debate over whether the implicated bishops followed Pope Francis’ directives or acted independently, driven by their interpretation of his humanitarian vision. Observers suggest that by financing activities supporting illegal migration, these bishops might have been trying to outdo Pope Francis himself in demonstrating commitment to his ideals, a phenomenon being termed ‘out-Bergoglioing Bergoglio.’

This raises serious questions about the autonomy of bishops within the Church’s hierarchy and the misalignment of their actions with official Vatican policies. It also highlights a dangerous precedent where moral and ethical pursuits blur the lines into politically charged territories, exposing the Church’s neutrality and governance.

The debate is not just about the bishops’ allegiance to the Pope’s stance but also about the decision-making and accountability within the Church. It underscores a critical issue: how far Church leaders can stretch the Pope’s vision before it becomes a liability, both ethically and politically, for the Vatican.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; France; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: catholic; corradolorefice; domenicobattaglia; eriocastellucci; europe; giovanniricchiuti; illegal; illegals; immigration; invasion; italy; jeanclaudehollerich; matteozuppi
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they're all in on it, and it will create chaos.
1 posted on 12/31/2023 5:21:10 AM PST by RaceBannon
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To: RaceBannon

They’re doing it here for sure.


2 posted on 12/31/2023 5:23:29 AM PST by HighSierra5 (The only way you know a commie is lying is when they open their pieholes.)
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To: RaceBannon

Catholic Charities gets paid to bring them in and spread them around, and they have no problem handing drugged “unaccompanied children” off to strangers


3 posted on 12/31/2023 5:27:57 AM PST by E. Pluribus Unum (The worst thing about censorship is █████ ██ ████ ████████ █ ███████ ████. FJB.)
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To: RaceBannon

Indeed. It’s not just the Catholic Church. Other church-connected NGOs’ are in on it, too. Those NGOs located in the US are the primary resettlers of illegals throughout the country.

They were largely supported by big government contracts to process and settle the illegal slags. But now States like Texas have turned the table and are ‘resettling’ the slags (to NYC, Martha’s Vineyard, etc.).


4 posted on 12/31/2023 5:28:24 AM PST by Gaffer
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To: HighSierra5

“ They’re doing it here for sure.”
*********************************

And doing it with vast rivers of AMERICAN TAXPAYER MONEY.


5 posted on 12/31/2023 5:29:55 AM PST by House Atreides (I’m now ULTRA-MAGA. -PRO-MAX)
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To: HighSierra5

There was never any doubt, not sure why it is a scandal. They do this.


6 posted on 12/31/2023 5:32:26 AM PST by rovenstinez (uo)
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To: RaceBannon

7 posted on 12/31/2023 5:36:46 AM PST by P.O.E. (Pray for America.)
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To: RaceBannon

Ooooo...”scrutiny”. That’ll scare the pants off of them.


8 posted on 12/31/2023 5:49:12 AM PST by Bloody Sam Roberts (The Truth is like a lion. You don't need to defend it. Let it loose and it will defend itself.)
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To: E. Pluribus Unum

the cancer effects everything


9 posted on 12/31/2023 5:59:37 AM PST by ronnie raygun
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To: RaceBannon

Same reason we have “perpetual war”. It’s the laundromat. Congress appropriates funds for the war machine in return for “campaign donations”

Federal and state legislatures approve money to help deal with an “illegal immigration crisis” that is permanent.

The NGO s helping “solve” the problem basically charter jets to continue the problem. They “take care of “ legislators making sure the money spigot doesn’t get turned off.

The laundromat appears bulletproof


10 posted on 12/31/2023 6:16:03 AM PST by mo ("If you understand, no explanation is needed; if you don't understand, no explanation is possible)
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To: mo

We don’t have a country anymore. We have a shell corporation.


11 posted on 12/31/2023 6:26:11 AM PST by imabadboy99
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To: HighSierra5
"They’re doing it here for sure."

Yup, and their NOT the only ones.!

12 posted on 12/31/2023 6:28:51 AM PST by unread (I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the REPUBLIC..!)
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To: RaceBannon
"Major Scandal Rocks the Italian Catholic Church: Bishops Accused of Funding Illegal Immigration"

Of course. The Bishops need more underage children to canoodle with. What's next...glory holes in the confessional box?

13 posted on 12/31/2023 6:37:46 AM PST by moovova ("The NEXT election is the most important election of our lifetimes!“ LOL...)
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To: RaceBannon

NGO i.e. nongovernmental organizations, almost always are receiving government money. So they’re proxies for the government, essentially ... if they don’t dance to the government’s tune they don’t get no money.


14 posted on 12/31/2023 6:43:12 AM PST by Lizavetta
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To: RaceBannon

The bunch that claim Peter’s ‘key’, literally ignore Peter’s words. Peter made the writing of the prophet Joel part of Christianity…. We are literally living that prophecy.. Christ did declare He had foretold all things.


15 posted on 12/31/2023 6:46:28 AM PST by Just mythoughts (Psalm 2. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?)
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To: RaceBannon

Lots of empty pews means nothing put in the collection plate. What to do?


16 posted on 12/31/2023 6:48:48 AM PST by Clioman
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To: RaceBannon

Wouldn’t be surprised to find the same thing happening here in this country.


17 posted on 12/31/2023 6:48:49 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus…)
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To: RaceBannon

Well,it’s not like,they are funding illegal Bank robberies or anythi... oh wait, yeah they kinda are, by funding illegals who are handed OUR money without our consent!


18 posted on 12/31/2023 6:51:20 AM PST by Bob434
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To: HighSierra5

“ They’re doing it here for sure.”

Been going on for some time now. They fund lawbreakers


19 posted on 12/31/2023 6:55:32 AM PST by NWFree (Sigma male 🤪)
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To: HighSierra5

Catholic Charities USA is one of the biggest NGOs funding and facilitating illegal immigration.


20 posted on 12/31/2023 8:07:57 AM PST by from occupied ga (Your government is your most dangerous enemy - EVs a solution for which there is no problem)
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