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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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To: HighSierra5

They certainly are and it’s called “Catholic Charities.”


21 posted on 12/31/2023 8:40:49 AM PST by Gerish (Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.)
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To: rovenstinez

Bringing in millions of muslims into Europe will allow Islam to complete its major goal: put the flag of islam overflying St. Peters Basilica and Notre Dame. Muslims have said that several times publicly.


22 posted on 12/31/2023 9:06:43 AM PST by chopperk
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To: RaceBannon

According to geofencing 71% of the illegals are being brought into red voting districts.


23 posted on 12/31/2023 9:34:11 AM PST by New Perspective (As Leonard Cohen said once in an interview, “You won’t like what comes after America”)
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To: RaceBannon

“Major Scandal Rocks the ... Catholic Church:”

The pope is a demon of Satan or Satan himself, yet the faithful continue to worship him!


24 posted on 12/31/2023 9:37:39 AM PST by faucetman (Just the facts, ma'am, Just the facts )
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To: E. Pluribus Unum

The human trafficking Catholic Charities has been paid $1.4 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars to do their “charity,” work. The organization is an accessory to breaking this country’s laws. It has nothing to do with charity, is all about money.


25 posted on 12/31/2023 9:44:23 AM PST by girlangler (Fish Fear Me)
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To: faucetman

“Worship” him? LOL ... get a grip. Nobody “worships” the Pope. I do try to pray often for his conversion, though.


26 posted on 12/31/2023 10:12:40 AM PST by Campion (Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love - Little Flower)
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