A vile criminal act has shocked the community of Mercato San Severino, in the province of Salerno, where Don Peppino Iannone, esteemed parish priest of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, was the victim of a robbery on the night between Friday and Saturday.
Around 3am, three criminals, their faces covered by balaclavas, broke into the rectory, located in the heart of Corso Diaz.
The parish priest, surprised in his sleep, was immobilized and threatened. The robbers, after deactivating his cell phone, searched the house for money. Not finding a safe, they settled for a small loot of about a thousand euros.
The shock and fear caused Don Peppino to become ill, forcing the criminals to flee. The parish priest, as soon as he recovered, alerted the police and medical personnel. When they arrived on the scene, the carabinieri began their investigations, while the 118 doctors gave the priest first aid.
The bandits entered the rectory through a small terrace
According to initial reports, the criminals reached the rectory by climbing onto the terrace and forcing open a back door. Footage from surveillance cameras in the area will be crucial in identifying the perpetrators.
The news sparked great outrage and concern in the community. The Archbishop of Salerno, Monsignor Andrea Bellandi , and Mayor Antonio Somma expressed their closeness to Don Peppino, as did numerous faithful.
"A cowardly and unacceptable act ," commented Mayor Somma, emphasizing the need to strengthen local controls. "We express our solidarity with Don Peppino, a man who is passionately dedicated to our community."
Don Peppino Iannone, in addition to being a parish priest, holds numerous ecclesiastical positions and carries out an intense teaching activity. His figure is highly appreciated and esteemed in the city.
The investigation is ongoing and focuses on the analysis of surveillance camera footage and the questioning of any witnesses.
