The tranquility of the Neapolitan ecclesial communities has been shattered by a disturbing discovery: a group of men, posing as priests, have celebrated masses and administered sacraments illegitimately for years.
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Francesco Balzano, Salvatore Mauriello, Antonio Moretti and Gennaro Vitiello, these are the names of the four alleged false priests, who infiltrated the parishes, deceiving the faithful with disconcerting ease.
Wearing cassocks and using titles such as “don” or “father,” the four celebrated weddings, baptized children, heard penitents’ confessions, and even assisted the dying.
An activity carried out in broad daylight, without any attempt to hide their false identity. Indeed, on social networks, one of them flaunted his new vestments, purchased in a religious goods store.
The Curia of Naples, alerted by the numerous reports, decided to intervene. Monsignor Michele Autuoro, vicar general of the archdiocese, issued an official statement on September 25 denouncing the illegitimacy of the actions of the four men and warning the faithful.
“Having received, at this Archbishop's Curia, several reports regarding the illegitimate exercise of the sacred ministry, in the territory of this Archdiocese of Naples, by Messrs. Francesco Balzano, Salvatore Mauriello, Antonio Moretti and Gennaro Vitiello, it is hereby made known that they are not legitimately ordained priests of the Catholic Church.
Therefore, the Sacred Pastors should scrupulously monitor and recommend the Faithful not to participate in any vaunted celebration of sacraments or sacramentals (baptisms, Eucharistic celebrations, funeral rites, marriages, anointing of the sick and blessings) presided over, participated in or organised by them.
Anyone who participates in these rites risks excommunication.
The Faithful are also reminded that their conscious participation in the aforementioned celebrations will constitute a serious shortcoming for their life of faith and for communion with the Catholic Church."
But who are these men and what are the motivations that drove them to commit such a deception? According to what has emerged, some of them have attempted in the past to undertake an ecclesiastical career, but have been removed from the seminaries for reasons not better specified.
Others, however, are said to be linked to more marginal religious movements, such as the “Prelatura Santissimi Pietro e Paolo”, an association close to the controversial Cardinal Milingo.
Their actions have raised questions about the vulnerability of ecclesiastical communities in the face of such deception. How could these men have managed to infiltrate parishes and celebrate sacraments without arousing suspicion? What are the responsibilities of parish priests and bishops in the face of such situations?
The story of the false priests of Naples is a warning about the need for greater vigilance within the Church and the need to protect the faithful from those who seek to exploit their faith for personal gain.
Article published on 1 October 2024 - 08:04
