Pope Leo has met with Italian families whose loved ones have died or are battling cancer due to illegal toxic dumping linked to a multi-billion-euro criminal operation run by the mafia.
His visit to the Terra dei Fuochi, or Land of Fires, near Naples, came just before the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis’ major environmental letter, Laudato Si (Praised Be). It shows Leo’s commitment to continuing his predecessor’s environmental work.
“I came first of all to share the grief of those who have lost loved ones, killed by environmental pollution caused by ruthless people and organizations that acted without consequences for far too long,” Leo said while speaking to family members and clergy in Acerra’s cathedral.
The pope recalled that the area was once called “Campania felix,” Latin for blessed or fruitful countryside, “able to enchant with its fertility, its produce, and its culture, like a hymn to life. And yet – here is death, of the land and of people.”
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Last year, the European Court of Human Rights agreed with residents’ complaints that mafia dumping, burying, and burning of toxic waste had led to higher rates of cancer and other illnesses in an area of 90 towns around Caserta and Naples, home to 2.9 million people.
The court found that Italian authorities had known about the pollution since 1988 – blamed on the Camorra crime group that controls waste disposal – but failed to protect residents. The binding ruling gave Italy two years to create a database on the toxic waste and the confirmed health risks of living there.
In his opening remarks, local bishop Antonio Di Donna estimated that 150 young people had died in the city of about 58,000 over the past 30 years – noting that this number didn’t include adults or victims from other towns.
He urged the pope to warn those who keep polluting, pointing out that tons of toxic waste had been dumped near Caserta just a day earlier. Di Donna said Italian officials had found dozens more similar sites across the country, including the Venetian port of Marghera and the spread of forever chemicals (PFAS) into groundwater near Vicenza.
“We say to those brothers of ours caught up in evil and tempted by the illusion of huge profits: change your ways, because what you are doing is not just a crime, it is a sin that cries out to God for justice,” the bishop said.
The pope later greeted the mayors of the 90 communities affected by the toxic dumping, as well as thousands of people waving yellow flags and chanting “Papa Leone” along the route of his popemobile and in a central square.
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The pope leaves Calipari Square at the end of his pastoral visit in Acerra, near Naples. Photograph: Andrew Medichini/AP
Angelo Venturato, whose daughter Maria died of cancer in 2016 at age 25, said the day before the pope’s visit that he hoped to speak to him to explain their reality, “not for me … for the next generation.”
“I’d like to give these young people a future, so I’m asking for the pope’s help with this. I’m making a strong appeal to him to go to those in power and say: ‘Look, let’s heal this land of fires,’” he said.
Inside the cathedral, Filomena Carolla gave the pope a book with memories from the life of her daughter, Tina De Angelis, who died of cancer at age 24.
“I’m just angry at the people who poisoned the soil, because what did our children have to do with it? What did they have to do with it, so young?” Carolla said on Friday.
Pope Francis’ plans to visit the area in 2020 were canceled because of the Covid pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the Popes condemnation of polluters at a mafialinked dumping site
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What did the Pope actually say about the dumping site
He called the people responsible unscrupulous polluters and condemned the dumping as a sin against God and humanity He said it was a crime that destroys creation and harms people
2 Where is this dumping site and why is it linked to the mafia
The site is in the Campania region of Italy near Naples Its linked to the mafia because criminal groups have been illegally burying toxic waste there for decades to avoid disposal costs
3 Is this a new problem or has it been going on for a while
Its been going on for decades The area is known as the Land of Fires because of the constant illegal burning and dumping of waste
4 What is the Land of Fires
Its a nickname for parts of southern Italy where the mafia has illegally dumped and burned industrial and household waste This has polluted the soil water and air causing serious health problems for local residents
5 Why is the Pope getting involved in a local environmental issue
The Pope sees this as a moral and spiritual crisis not just a local problem He believes destroying the environment and harming peoples health is a grave sin Its part of his larger teaching on caring for our common home
IntermediateLevel Questions
6 What specific health problems have been linked to this dumping
Studies have shown higher rates of cancer birth defects and respiratory illnesses in the area This is directly linked to toxic chemicals like dioxins and heavy metals seeping into the land and water
7 How does the mafia profit from illegal dumping
They charge legitimate businesses a lower fee than legal waste treatment plants Then they simply dump the waste in fields rivers or old quarries This saves companies money and gives the mafia huge untaxed profits
8 Has the Italian government done anything to stop this
Yes but with limited success The government has sent in the army to patrol areas passed stricter laws and launched cleanup operations However the problem is massive and the mafia is deeply entrenched making progress
