http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/21/world/pope-mafia-excommunication/index.html

 

 

I'm not a religious person but I have a lot of respect for any leader who not only speaks out against, but strikes a blow against organized crime.  To my knowledge, the Sicilian mafia is all catholic, attend services, and believe that their sins will ultimately be forgiven by the church?  If so, this basically means they can't repent?   Sounds like a pretty serious blow for them, removing their safety blanket.

 

If it were anybody but the pope himself, I'd say he had a target on his back.  

 

Will this legitimately affect the upper levels of organized crime?  Do they feel strongly enough about their religion to take a step back and think?  Is the pope immune from retribution?

 

I have a lot of respect for this pope as a person.  I wish more leaders were like this.

 

 

 

Excommunication means that you are no longer Catholic and are not part of the Church

 

 

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I find it hard to believe people that are committed to crime and murder will be effected by what the Pope says.  

you would be surprised.  Sicilians are not the same as your average street thug.  They strangely believe in their religion more than you would think.  Italians have a strong religious belief (given that the vatican resides within their country and all that)

Most Mafioso pay lip service to their religion and are not too worried about the church on a personal level. Their wives are often a different story and true believers. If the pope is in any danger from the Mafia it is more likely to be because of the alleged money laundering that the church is rumored to have done for the boys. If that were true and he cut that off he could easily have an accident or meet up with a crazed crowd member. Esoecially with his penchant for wading into crowds and his disdain for personal security

Most Mafioso pay lip service to their religion and are not too worried about the church on a personal level. Their wives are often a different story and true believers. If the pope is in any danger from the Mafia it is more likely to be because of the alleged money laundering that the church is rumored to have done for the boys. If that were true and he cut that off he could easily have an accident or meet up with a crazed crowd member. Esoecially with his penchant for wading into crowds and his disdain for personal security

That'd be some stupid for the ages. I have no use for the church, but there are lots of true believers out there. Killing him got getting the church out of bed with them would not have the effect of getting them back in.

 

Might even make them the targets of some whackadoos.

I think it can reduce the level of acceptability the mafia has enjoyed.   My understanding is that of italians accept the mob as part of life, just like they accept the church. Introducing the notion that the church does not approve of the mob is a good thing, it attempts to draw a line.

As someone that lived in Sicily I can say the mafioso is not what you would expect. They are not all like the movie the godfather, they are actually loved by the people. I did see money change hands, but they were often the good guys and more respected than the police. They take care of the community, do much for charity, and help those in need. I have an insight that nobody else can have, but I was a 18yr old kid that was just a drinking buddy.