A 75-year-old man with alleged organized crime connections delivered a live bullet to Father Maurizio Patriciello during Mass at the San Paolo Apostolo church in Caivano, near Naples. The incident occurred as the assailant blended with parishioners waiting to receive Communion, handing the priest a package containing a 9x21 caliber bullet before being intercepted by the priest's security detail and Carabinieri officers stationed outside the church.
This marks the second security incident involving the same individual targeting Father Patriciello within months. In June 2024, authorities had previously detained the man inside the church after a knife was discovered protruding from his trouser pocket. The suspect, identified as the father-in-law of a boss from the Ciccarelli-Sautto crime clan and reportedly suffering from psychiatric issues, had been released with a formal complaint and oral warning following the earlier incident.
The Italian government responded immediately to the intimidation attempt, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi personally contacting Father Patriciello to express solidarity and reaffirm state support for the Caivano community. Additional police and Carabinieri patrols have been deployed to secure the Parco Verde area, while protective measures for the priest have been intensified. A provincial committee meeting on public order and security has been scheduled to address the ongoing situation.
High-level political support emerged across Italy's institutions, with President Sergio Mattarella conveying personal solidarity to Father Patriciello following what authorities described as a serious intimidation attempt. The incident has drawn national attention to the persistent challenges facing communities confronting organized crime in southern Italy, with government officials emphasizing their commitment to supporting those who represent courage and dedication to legality.
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