Mafia members, apparently upset at Pope Francis’ recent announcement to excommunicate members of organized crime, halted the progression of a religious parade past the Italy home of a local mob boss to make the statue of the Virgin Mary take a quick bow.
The Italian media and Zenit, a Catholic news site, reported that the statue was made to bow before boss Peppe Mazzaggatti’s home in the Calabrian town of Oppido Mamertina, according to Breitbart.
The town is ground zero for the “N’drangheta” gang that Mr. Mazzagatti, 82, heads. He is currently under house arrest and detainment, serving time for murder, Breitbart reported.
The prosecutor for the Calabrian town said the statue’s bow was made to send a message to Pope Francis, Breitbart reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.