Vatican City, Jan 23, 2017 / 07:41 am
Frequently an outspoken critic against organized crime, Pope Francis again came out with harsh words for those involved in the mafia and other criminal activities, which he said are "stained with blood" and go directly against the faith.
"The phenomena of the mafia, which is an expression of a culture of death, is (something) to oppose and to fight," the Pope said Jan. 23.
Mafia activity "is radically opposed to the faith and to the Gospel, which are important for life," he said, adding that true followers of Christ "have thoughts of peace, fraternity, justice, welcome and forgiveness."
Pope Francis spoke to members of the National Anti-Mafia and Anti-terrorism Bureau during an audience with the organization in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.