Naples, thefts in the church of San Ferdinando: the parish priest stops a thief, but the relatives accuse him

Naples – Two thefts in three days and damages worth over a thousand euros: this is what happened in the historic church of San Ferdinando, in Piazza Trieste e Trento in Naples.

The latest episode occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the parish priest, Don Lino, surprised a man intent on stealing inside the sacred place. After stopping him, he called the Local Police. Shortly after, the thief's family arrived, who attempted to prevent the complaint by appealing to "Christian charity".

"I feel more like a guardian than a parish priest," said Don Lino bitterly, who also reported the damage to a 700 euro candelabra and a display case of rosaries worth 300 euros. Thefts, he added, are increasingly frequent: "The thief had already been the protagonist of similar episodes. I ask anyone who recognizes him to report him to the authorities."

The images of the episodes were sent to the deputy Francesco Emilio Borrelli, who has already intervened in the past to denounce the continuous thefts in the church. "Solidarity with Don Lino - he said - and dismay for the attitude of the thief's family. Instead of justifying those who steal, they should commit to repairing the damage to the church".