‘Don Mercedes’ banished to a life of penitence

ONE OF THE leaders of the Communion and Liberation movement has been banished to a life of penitence and prayer after being found guilty under canon law of child abuse.

Don Mauro Inzoli, nicknamed Don Mercedes because of his lavish lifestyle, which included luxury cars, cigars and expensive restaurants, has been banned from working with children and from carrying out priestly duties.

Pope Francis said: “Considering the seriousness of the offences and the resulting scandal provoked by the abuse of children Don Inzoli is asked to live a life of prayer and humble reflection,  a sign of penitence and remorse.”

Francis barred him from  his  diocese of Crema in Lombardy and ordered him to have at least five years psychotherapy.