Cardinal Paolo Romeo of Palermo has banned an ecumenical prayer vigil for victims of homophobia and transphobia that was scheduled to be held in the Church of Santa Lucia on May 12th as part of the Palermo Pride event.
“We are shocked and saddened. It is a veto that erases the suffering of defenseless victims, those very vulnerable people whom the Cardinal and the Church claim to be dedicated to defending without distinction. The ban is also an act of aggression, in its complicity with those who spread homophobia and hatred.
The purpose of the Palermo Pride initiative, which will be held on May 21st, far from sparking controversy, was to offer a space for reflection that takes into account the extreme diversity of the LGBT movement, made up of atheists and agnostics, but also thousands of Catholics. "The vigil will still take place, even in the streets, if we can't find other spaces," explains Daniela Tomasino, president of Arcigay Palermo and spokesperson for Palermo Pride.
“"Banning a prayer for the victims of homophobia is just the latest insult the hierarchy is directing at Italian gays, lesbians, and transgender people," adds Paolo Patanè, national president of Arcigay. "With this act, which seeks to silence the victims of daily horror, the Church demonstrates, once again, its complicity and strong supporter of the aversion to the dignity of millions of people.".
