Pope Francis called for the fight against organized crime groups, such as the Mafia, around the world, warning that criminals are taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to gain more wealth.
In a sermon delivered at noon on Sunday, in which Italy commemorates the victims of organized crime, the Pope said that “mafia gangs are present in many regions of the world and are gaining more wealth for themselves through corruption, taking advantage of the pandemic.” He described them as sinful organizations that are “not of religion in anything.”
He added, “Let us today remember all the victims and renew our commitment to fighting the mafia gangs.”
Italian police say crime groups are using the pandemic to gain the confidence of poor families facing financial hardship by providing loans and food commodities.
Last December, the Paris-based International Police (Interpol) issued a global warning that organized crime networks were targeting Covid-19 vaccines.
Source: Reuters