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.
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.
Source: RAIR Fundation