The diocese said in a statement posted on its website that “it is experiencing a time of suffering due to intimidating acts.”
Nostro went on to exhort his flock to “not be discouraged by this language of violence. We must not give in to this logic, allowing ourselves to be tempted by despair and anger. We cannot accept this language; we must not respond to hatred with hatred, knowing that it is not possible to truly dialogue with those who refuse to do so.”
“My heartfelt thanks to law enforcement for the professionalism with which they are helping and supporting us in this humanly difficult moment, and I too will continue to guarantee my priests my constant presence so that they can carry out their invaluable service,” the bishop concluded.
In addition, Father Francesco Pontoriero, also of the same diocese, has received explicit death threats in recent days.
The two priests presumably ended up in the sights of the ’Ndrangheta for their constant commitment to the rule of law and their struggle against the Mafia.
Due to Mafia infiltration, at the end of last summer the president of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, following the recommendation of the minister of the interior, dissolved the city council of Cessaniti, which is located in the area where the two threatened priests carry out their pastoral ministry.
