To Curb Mafia, Italian Bishop Wants to Ban Naming Godfathers

A leading Roman Catholic bishop in southern Italy wants a 10-year ban on naming godfathers to stop the Mafia and other crime groups from using religion to extend the tentacles of their families. Scenes of mobsters taking part in the baptisms of newborns as a godfather, or "padrino" – thereby establishing a special bond with future generations of potential criminals – are replete in Mafia films such as "The Godfather" and "Prizzi's Honor." Archbishop...

© La Voix de l'Amérique - mardi 1^er juillet 2014