Amy Mek
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.
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.
Vatican 2 was a protestant revolution. The church was taken over by her enemies and they are trying to kill the church. They are still in power. They do everything to embarrass the church.
The traditional church vs the novus ordo is the only way to distinguish between the two and that’s not even a good distinction.
When Jesus said the jaws of death will never prevail against the church he was telling us that at some point it’ll look like the church is dead. It’s looks pretty dead right now.
what a shocker. jesuits have had their hand in many dirty things, including Lincoln assasination and nazi germany, since their founding. people blame the j’s when they should actually be looking at the jesuits.
We all know what’s coming and what has to be done. It’s a shame, but God, the one true God has placed this burden upon us for His reason and made it man’s destiny or fate to participate.
This has been an ongoing problem and in the news the last few years. No point in disparaging the church and
PopePoop.We know most religious institutions have been infiltrated by evil people. We know sørøs and the NGO’s are also corrupt and evil. Seek out the good men like Viganò. Shun and avoid thd evil ones, which preach doctrine contrary to what you have learned in the Bible.
Since the RCC is also a state why not expel them from your country?
With a few exceptions this applies just as well to the US bishops.
Where is this money coming from ??? It is the money of many generous catholic faithfuls illegally diverted from the charities and Church’s necessities.
These high ranked clerics are thieves. They must be tried and jailed at soonest !
This should not be a surprise as the devil’s man is now sitting on St. Peter’s throne! I have little doubt that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has a hand it what is happening with the illegal border crossings in the USA.
yep!