Vatican dismisses `mafia threat to Pope Francis`

Wellington – The Vatican has brushed off concerns after officials warned that Pope Francis could become the target of the mafia for campaigning against corruption.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said that there is no reason for concern and there is no need to feed alarmism adding that pope was ‘extremely calm’ regarding the threat.

According to stuff.co.nz, the warning was given by anti-mafia state prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, , who said that members of the Calabrian Ndrangheta mafia, the richest and most powerful crime organisation in Italy, were angered by the Pope’s crusade against corruption and considering lethal attack.

Pope Francis has criticised the mafia for exploiting and enslaving people and condemned officials who accepted bribes.

Gratteri said that the mafia that invests, launders money, has the real power, and has got rich for years from its connivance with the church, and with Pope’s efforts they are now getting nervous.