On Sunday Pope Francis recalled the recent beatification of a judge murdered by the Sicilian Mafia in 1990. His name was Rosario Livatino.
POPE FRANCIS
“A martyr for justice and faith.”
FLASH
“May his example be for everyone, especially for judges, encouragement to be faithful defenders of legality and freedom. A round of applause for the new Blessed!”
To that end the Pope has launched a task force in honor of the former judge to formally excommunicate members of mafia groups, especially those who hide behind Christian imagery.
Previous popes have explicitly condemned the mafia on many occasions.
John Paul II did so during his trip to Sicily in 1993.
JOHN PAUL II
'In the name of Christ crucified and risen, of this Christ who is Way, Truth and Life, I address those responsible: 'Convert!' One day God's judgment will come!'
Benedict XVI also condemned the mafia in Palermo.
BENEDICT XVI
'Do not yield to the suggestions of the Mafia, which is a way of death. It is incompatible with the Gospel, as your bishops have so often told you.'
As did Pope Francis, during this meeting with victims of the Mafia.
POPE FRANCIS
“Convert. You still have time to avoid ending up in hell. That is what awaits you if you continue on this path.”
The working group will gather material to formally excommunicate all mafia groups, including those linked to drug smuggling, human trafficking and crime, wherever they are active in the world.
JMB
TR: JM
