Has there ever been any proof of involvement of Franciscan friars or other clerics in the Sicilian mafia network?

serpa

In 1901, for reasons that remain unclear, bands of Capuchin*[*Known officially within the Church as the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, they are one of three autonomous branches of Franciscans.] Franciscan friars of Mazzarino began roaming the rural Sicilian countryside, waylaying and robbing travelers and the local peasantry. Terror tactics thereafter grew steadily within the order in Mazzarino and became a part of everyday life. Priests blackmailed peasants and extorted money and goods. Women were brought to the monastery at night, dressed in Franciscan habits to disguise their identities. The Franciscans' ancient monastery in Mazzarino became the scene of debauchery, orgies, and pornographic activities. "Only as recently as 1945, the bishop of Agrigento was shot and nearly killed by a monk who was also a Mafioso," the old man related. "The Franciscan monastery in Mazzarino, at this very time, shelters bands of robbers who share the proceeds of their crimes with monks and priests living there." ctrl@listserv.aol.com/msg07108.html">http://www.mail-archive.com/ctrl@listserv.aol.com/msg07108.html Dec 05 10, 1:20 PM