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  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Particolare della facciata della chiesa di San Francesco  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Di origine duecentesce e rifondata nel 1639, la chiesa di San Francesco è uno degli esempi più illustri del Barocco Siciliano. La chiesa di San Francesco conserva le reliquie di san Domizio e santa Colomba, morti durante le Crociate. È stata dichiarata nel 2005 dall'UNESCO monumento simbolo di pace
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1580.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Affreschi nella sacrestia della chiesa di San Francesco  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Di origine duecentesce e rifondata nel 1639, la chiesa di San Francesco è uno degli esempi più illustri del Barocco Siciliano,  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.  La chiesa di San Francesco conserva le reliquie di san Domizio e santa Colomba, morti durante le Crociate. È stata dichiarata nel 2005 dall'UNESCO monumento simbolo di pace.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1763.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Interno della chiesa di San Francesco  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Di origine duecentesce e rifondata nel 1639, la chiesa di San Francesco è uno degli esempi più illustri del Barocco Siciliano,  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.  La chiesa di San Francesco conserva le reliquie di san Domizio e santa Colomba, morti durante le Crociate. È stata dichiarata nel 2005 dall'UNESCO monumento simbolo di pace.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1755.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Una tela raffigurante la Madonna col bambino nella chiesa di Santa Caterina a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. La chiesa di Santa Caterina, dovuta a Matteo Chiaramonte (allora Signore di Naro) a seguito della pace di Castrogiovanni, fu fondata nel 1366 su una preesistente moschea.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1776.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012:  Interno della medievale chiesa di Santa Caterina a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. La chiesa di Santa Caterina, dovuta a Matteo Chiaramonte (allora Signore di Naro) a seguito della pace di Castrogiovanni, fu fondata nel 1366 su una preesistente moschea.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1774.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: la chiesa del SS. Salvatore, un tempo parte del convento benedettino femminile fondato nel 1398, a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. La chiesa fu rimaneggiata nel 1530 e completamente rinnovata nel periodo barocco tra il XVII e XVIII secolo.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1720.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Di origine duecentesce e rifondata nel 1639, la chiesa di San Francesco è uno degli esempi più illustri del Barocco Siciliano,  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.  La chiesa di San Francesco conserva le reliquie di san Domizio e santa Colomba, morti durante le Crociate. È stata dichiarata nel 2005 dall'UNESCO monumento simbolo di pace.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1559.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Di origine duecentesce e rifondata nel 1639, la chiesa di San Francesco è uno degli esempi più illustri del Barocco Siciliano,  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.  La chiesa di San Francesco conserva le reliquie di san Domizio e santa Colomba, morti durante le Crociate. È stata dichiarata nel 2005 dall'UNESCO monumento simbolo di pace.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1559-2.jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    SanBartolomeo_Panoramic_02.jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    SanBartolomeo_Panoramic_01.jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    SanBartolomeo_Panoramic_03.jpg
  • STROMBOLI, ITALIA - 12 ottobre 2013: Chiesa di San Bartolomeo nell'isola di Stromboli, il 12 ottobre 2013.
    CIPG_20131012_FAI_STROMBOLI-SanBarto...jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012:  Interno della Chiesa Madre Maria Santissima Annunziata del 1619 a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1162.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Prospetto del monastero annesso alla Chiesa di San Giovanni  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1735.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, fondata assieme al convento agli inizi del '600, inglobando un'antica struttura trecentesca, a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. La facciata, che ricorda quella di San Giovanni in Latera a Roma, è divisa in due ordini, scanditi da aperture simmetriche.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1249.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: dei ragazzi frequentano l'Happy Hour Café in piazza Garibaldi, di fronte alla chiesa di San Francesco a Naro, Italia, il 15 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0989.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: I novelli sposi naresi ballano dopo la celebrazione del matrimonio nella chiesa di Sant'Eraso,  a Naro, Italia il 15 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0710.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: dei palloncini vengono rilasciati presso la chiesa di Sant'Erasmo dopo la celebrazione del matrimonio di una coppia narese, a Naro, Italia il 15 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0680.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: una coppia di anziani esce dalla chiesa di Sant'Erasmo dove si è celebrato il matrimonio di una coppia narese, a Naro, Italia, il 15 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0650.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: sacrestia in legno ad opera degli scultori agrigentini Gabriele Terranova e Giuseppe Casalicoli del 1725 nella Chiesa Madre Maria Santissima Annunziata,  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1177.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012:  Interno della Chiesa Madre Maria Santissima Annunziata del 1619 con una tela dell'annunciazione  di Domenico Provenzali, a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1176.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: gli invitati del matrimonio di una coppia narese aspetta gli sposi all'uscita della chiesa di Sant'Erasmo a Naro, Italia il 15 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0716.jpg
  • ACI CASTELLO, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: The families of Nicola Sparti and Grace Motta celebrated the baptisms of their son Antonino with a buffet at the Copacabana restaurant in Aci Castello, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-147...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio ladles holy water over Andrea Arena’s head during a baptism ritual in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-038...jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012:  iscrizioni dei carcerati nella mura degli interni del castello medievale la cui cisterna venne usata talvolta come prigione a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Il castello medievale di Naro, che si erge nella più alta della città, è uno dei castelli meglio conservati della Sicilia. Il castello, comunemento detto Castello chiaramontano, preesisteva alla conquista araba del 827. L'impianto fu rimaneggiato in epoca Chiaramontana e divenne una roccaforte della nobile famiglia dei Chiaramonte, la potente famiglia che per più di un secolo aveva determina la storia dell'isola. La torre quadrata del castello fu eretta da Federico III d'Aragona nel 1330.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1282.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 6 January, 2013: A mother walks with her baby in a stroller by the Largo Santa Caterina in Taormina, Italy, on 6 January, 2013. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130106_NYT_Taormina__MG_0117.jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 4 OCTOBER 2021: The basilica of Catania, in Catania, Italy, on October 4th 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-230...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 4 OCTOBER 2021: The archive of the Roman Catholic diocese of Catania is seen here in Catania, Italy, on October 4th 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-224...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Antonino De Luca (33) light a candle during the baptism ritual of his son Samuel in the church of Santa Maria della Salute in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-198...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Samuel De Luca plays with his golden cross during his baptism ritual in the church of Santa Maria della Salute in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-193...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Rev. Angelo Alfio Mangano poses for a portrait after baptising the six-month-old child Giuseppe Calderone, in the church of Santa Maria in Ognina,in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
Rev. Angelo Alfio Mangano said that spiritually objectionable characters used “threats against the parish priest” to be named godfather, a position used for social blackmail and sometimes usury, he said.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-168...jpg
  • ACI CASTELLO, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Grace Motta (21) holds her son Antonino at the Copacabana restaurant, where the family celebrated the baptism with a buffet, in Aci Castello, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-140...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Andrea Arena (1 year old, center) is seen here after being baptised outside the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-093...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Andrea Arena (1 year old, center) is seen here after being baptised outside the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-092...jpg
  • STILO (RC), ITALIA - 12 APRILE 2014: La Cattolica di Stilo, a Stilo, il 12 aprile 2014
    CattolicaStilo_Panoramic_01.jpg
  • SCIACCA (CT), ITALIA - 28 MAGGIO 2014: Volontari del Gruppo di Volontariato Vincenziano disitribuiscono alimenti nel "Market della Solidarietà" della parrocchia della Beata Maria Vergine di Loret a Sciacca, AG, il 28 maggio 2014. Ogni settimana circa 650 persone del quartiere partecipano al Market della SolidarietaÌ€ (allestito dalla parrocchia in collaborazione con la Caritas, con la “San Vincenzo de Paoli” e con la “Orizzonti Onlus) ed usufruiscono dei prodotti provenienti dalle collette avviate nella parrocchia, nel Banco Alimentare e nei punti vendita di Sciacca.  <br />
<br />
“Operiamo in un vasto quartiere periferico di Sciacca, la Perriera, che eÌ€ una zona di espansione senza un piano regolatore, in perenne urbanizzazione e cementificazione! - racconta il parroco, don Gino Faragone – Siamo da sempre vicini alla popolazione che chiede lavoro, diritti, solidarietaÌ€ e uguaglianza. Finora abbiamo operato in condizioni difficili, negli scantinati, in attesa della fine dei lavori di ristrutturazione, attesi da trent’anni! A fine giugno, finalmente avremo a disposizione i nuovi locali e potremo espandere le nostre attivitaÌ€”.
    CIPG_20140528_FAMCRISTIANA_Sciacca__...jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Scalinata che collega la via Dante, arteria principale di Naro, al duomo normanno in cima alla collina, a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1745.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Il duomo normanno, edificato nel 1089 ad opera di Ruggero d'Altavilla al di sopra di una preesistente moschea araba poco dopo la conquista normanna del 1086, visto dalla scalinata dalla centrale via Dante alla sommità della collina,  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Il duomo normanno è monumento nazionale ed è chiuso al culto dal 1867.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1711.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Una famiglia pesca durante una gita presso il lago di San Giovanni a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Il lago di San Giovanni è uno dei più grandi laghi artificiali d'Europa, con una capienza di 19 milioni di metri cubi, e costituisce la principale fonte di approvigionamento idrico per i terreni del circondario.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1492.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Lillo Perconti, 59, consegna due piatti di pasta ai clienti della trattoria tipica La Lanterna, di cui è proprietario con la moglie Lina,  a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1438.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Due uomini si sporgono dalla torre quadrata, eretta da Federico II, che si affaccia sulla Valle del Paradiso a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Il castello medievale di Naro, che si erge nella più alta della città, è uno dei castelli meglio conservati della Sicilia. Il castello, comunemento detto Castello chiaramontano, preesisteva alla conquista araba del 827. L'impianto fu rimaneggiato in epoca Chiaramontana e divenne una roccaforte della nobile famiglia dei Chiaramonte, la potente famiglia che per più di un secolo aveva determina la storia dell'isola. La torre quadrata del castello fu eretta da Federico III d'Aragona nel 1330.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1368.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: La Valle del Paradiso vista dal Castello chiaramontano a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1358.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: La Valle del Paradiso vista dal Castello chiaramontano con la statua della Madonna che domina la città a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Il castello medievale di Naro, che si erge nella più alta della città, è uno dei castelli meglio conservati della Sicilia. Il castello, comunemento detto Castello chiaramontano, preesisteva alla conquista araba del 827. L'impianto fu rimaneggiato in epoca Chiaramontana e divenne una roccaforte della nobile famiglia dei Chiaramonte, la potente famiglia che per più di un secolo aveva determina la storia dell'isola. La torre quadrata del castello fu eretta da Federico III d'Aragona nel 1330.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1350.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Vista della città di Naro dal castello medievale, detto anche Castello chiaramontano, a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012.  Il castello medievale di Naro, che si erge nella più alta della città, è uno dei castelli meglio conservati della Sicilia. Il castello, comunemento detto Castello dei Chiaramonte, preesisteva alla conquista araba del 827. L'impianto fu rimaneggiato in epoca Chiaramontana e divenne una roccaforte della nobile famiglia dei Chiaramonte, la potente famiglia che per più di un secolo aveva determina la storia dell'isola. La torre quadrata del castello fu eretta da Federico III d'Aragona nel 1330.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1315.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 16 September 2012: Decorazioni grottesche di un balcone di palazzo Gaetani a Naro, Italia, il 16 September 2012. Spesso i prospetti degli edifici civili di Naro sono adorni di mascheroni e volute intensamente chiaroscurati.
    CIPG_20120916_NATGEO_Naro__MG_1145.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: strada di accesso al Castello di Naro, un fortilizio la cui configurazione attuale può essere fatta risalire all'epoca medioevale ad opera principale della famiglia Chiaramonte a Naro, Italia, il 15 September 2012.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0882.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: il chiostro dell'ex convento dei frati minori, oggi sede del municipio di Naro.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0816.jpg
  • Naro, Italia - il 15 September 2012: Altare nella cappella presso la grotta di San Calogero, santo protettore di Naro, dove la tradizione vuole che il Santo nero abbia dimorato per una parte della sua vita.
    CIPG_20120915_NATGEO_Naro__MG_0611.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 7 January, 2013: Isola Bella is a small island island located within a small bay in the Ionian Sea, in Taormina, Italy, on 7 January, 2013. Isola Bella is also known as The Pearl of the Ionian Sea; it was a private property until 1990, when it was bought by the Region of Sicily, being turned into a nature reserve, administrated by the Italian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature. ..Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130107_NYT_Taormina__MG_1291.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 7 January, 2013: Isola Bella is a small island island located within a small bay in the Ionian Sea, in Taormina, Italy, on 7 January, 2013. Isola Bella is also known as The Pearl of the Ionian Sea; it was a private property until 1990, when it was bought by the Region of Sicily, being turned into a nature reserve, administrated by the Italian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature. ..Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130107_NYT_Taormina__MG_1261.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 7 January, 2013: Isola Bella is a small island island located within a small bay in the Ionian Sea, in Taormina, Italy, on 7 January, 2013. Isola Bella is also known as The Pearl of the Ionian Sea; it was a private property until 1990, when it was bought by the Region of Sicily, being turned into a nature reserve, administrated by the Italian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature. ..Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130107_NYT_Taormina__MG_1237.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 7 January, 2013: An excursion boat sails out of the Mazzarò beach towards the Gulf of Taormina, in Taormina, Italy, on 7 January, 2013. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130107_NYT_Taormina__MG_1186.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 7 January, 2013: A view of the Ancient Theatre (or Greek Theatre) with Mount Etna in the background, in Taormina, Italy, on 7 January, 2013. The Ancient Theatre, with a diameter of 109 metres (after an expansion in the 2nd century), is the second largest of its kind in Sicily (after that of Syracuse); it is frequently used for operatic and theatrical performances and for concerts...Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130107_NYT_Taormina__MG_0810.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 7 January, 2013: "Costanza Antichità" is an antique store founded in 1902 by Donna Concetta (called "a cuttunara", because she sold gold and cotton) and now owned by Pancrazio Cacopardo after 3 generations,  in Taormina, Italy, on 7 January, 2013. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130107_NYT_Taormina__MG_0763.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 7 January, 2013: A priest enters  the Sant'Agostino church in Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina, Italy, on 7 January, 2013. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130107_NYT_Taormina__MG_0705.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 6 January, 2013: (L-R) Giuseppe Scionti, 24, and Domenico Maressa, 27, play typical Sicilian music with their accordion and tambourine the "La Botte" restaurant during a family lunch to celebrate the Epiphany in Taormina, Italy, on 6 January, 2013. "La Botte" restaurant was founded in 1972 by owner Mimma Pellegrino's grandmother Angela. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130106_NYT_Taormina__MG_9748.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 6 January, 2013: The "arancine", typical Sicilian fried rice balls, are sold at the 30 years old "Da Cristina" pizzeria in Taormina, Italy, on 6 January, 2013. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130106_NYT_Taormina__MG_9622.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 6 January, 2013: Francesco Buzzurro (30, center), owner of the Daiquiri Lounge Cafe, prepares  cocktails for customers sitting outside, in Taormina, Italy, on 6 January, 2013. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna (about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130106_NYT_Taormina__MG_0279.jpg
  • Taormina, Italy - 6 January, 2013: A granita with cream is served at the Bar Bar, a cafe specialized in granitas, in Taormina, Italy, on 6 January, 2013. The granita is a typical  Sicilian semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings. Located about 30 miles north of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina .is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop with a medieval layout; ancient .ruins; belle époque villas; and sweeping views of the glittering Ionian.Sea, the  Sicilian coastline and, on clear days, the smoking crest of Mount Etna.(about 20  miles away).
    CIPG_20130106_NYT_Taormina__MG_0178.jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 4 OCTOBER 2021: Gold crosses, a typical gift bought by godparents for their godchildren, are seen here in a jewelry in Catania, Italy, on October 4th 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-245...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 4 OCTOBER 2021: The basilica of Catania, in Catania, Italy, on October 4th 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-237...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 4 OCTOBER 2021: Monsignor Salvatore Genchi, the vicar general of Catania, poses for a portrait by his office next to the basilica of Catania, Italy, on October 4th 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-226...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: A copy of the ban of the Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ending the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms is seen here in the office of Monsignor Salvatore Genchi, the vicar general of Catania, in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-223...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 4 OCTOBER 2021: Nino Sicali (68), a fish vendor in Catani's fish market, poses for portrait, in Catania, Italy, on October 4th 2021. Referring to godfather, Mr Sicali said “It creates a stronger tie between the families." When he was made a godfather, he said, he reciprocated by making his godson’s father a compadre to his own children. Over the years, Mr. Sicali said he was obligated to help his struggling compadre out financially. “He died owing me 12,000 euros,” he said.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-212...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 4 OCTOBER 2021: Nino Sicali (68), a fish vendor in Catani's fish market, poses for portrait, in Catania, Italy, on October 4th 2021. Referring to godfather, Mr Sicali said “It creates a stronger tie between the families." When he was made a godfather, he said, he reciprocated by making his godson’s father a compadre to his own children. Over the years, Mr. Sicali said he was obligated to help his struggling compadre out financially. “He died owing me 12,000 euros,” he said.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211004_NYT-Godfathers_A73-210...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: (R-L) Antonino De Luca (33) looks at his son Samuel being held by his mother Simona Cristaudo (34) as Rev. Salvatore Cubito baptizes their son, here in the church of Santa Maria della Salute, in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-195...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Rev. Salvatore Cubito blesses Samuel De Luca during his baptism ritual here in the church of Santa Maria della Salute in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-192...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: (Center, L-R) Antonino De Luca (33) and Simona Cristaudo (34) chat with family members before a group picture for the baptism of their son Samuel (in Mrs Cristaudo's arms),  here in the church of Santa Maria della Salute in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-186...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: (L-R) A photographer takes a family picture of Antonino De Luca (33) and Simona Cristaudo (34) with their children for the baptism of their son Samuel (in Mrs Cristaudo's arms),  here in the church of Santa Maria della Salute in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-179...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: (R-L) Antonino De Luca (33) and Simona Cristaudo (34) enter the church of Santa Maria della Salute with their children for the baptism of their son Samuel (in Mrs Cristaudo's arms), in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-178...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: The church of Santa Maria in Ognina is seen here in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-172...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Rev. Angelo Alfio Mangano poses for a portrait after baptising the six-month-old child Giuseppe Calderone, in the church of Santa Maria in Ognina,in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
Rev. Angelo Alfio Mangano said that spiritually objectionable characters used “threats against the parish priest” to be named godfather, a position used for social blackmail and sometimes usury, he said.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-166...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Marco Calderone (center) hold his six-month-old son Giuseppe that will get baptized by Father Angelo Alfio Mangano (left) in the church of of Santa Maria in Ognina, in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021. “For them it might be abolished,” Mr. Calderone said, referring to the diocese of Catania's decision to abolish godfathers and godmothers. “Not for us.”<br />
Rev. Angelo Alfio Mangano (Santa Maria Ognina) said that spiritually objectionable characters used “threats against the parish priest” to be named godfather, a position used for social blackmail and sometimes usury, he said.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-162...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Rossella Calderone holds her six-month-old son Giuseppe as she walks towawrds the church of Santa Maria in Ognina to baptize her son, in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-158...jpg
  • ACI CASTELLO, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: The families of Nicola Sparti and Grace Motta celebrated the baptisms of their son Antonino with a buffet at the Copacabana restaurant in Aci Castello, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-145...jpg
  • ACI CASTELLO, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Nicola Sparti (24, center) holds his baptised son Antonino next to brother-in-law Alfio Motta (22, right, standing up), who should have been the child's godfther, here at the Copacabana restaurant, where the family celebrated the baptism with a buffet, in Aci Castello, Italy, on October 3rd 2021. Alfio Motta, Antonino’s uncle, felt cheated out of a great honor.<br />
“I feel like the godfather,” he said. “Even if I don’t have the title.”<br />
<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-141...jpg
  • ACI TREZZA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Nicola Sparti (24, right) and Grace Motta (21, left) play with their baptised son Antonino during a photo shoot in Aci Trezza, Italy, on October 3rd 2021. The Sparti family was banned from naming a godfather for their son Antonino.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-131...jpg
  • ACI TREZZA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Nicola Sparti (24, right) and Grace Motta (21, left) hold their baptised son Antonino in a miniature remote control white Mercedes during a photo shoot in Aci Trezza, Italy, on October 3rd 2021. The Sparti family was banned from naming a godfather for their son Antonino.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-130...jpg
  • ACI TREZZA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Antonino Sparti (1 year old), who was banned from having a godfather, plays with a miniature remote control white Mercedes during a photo shoot in Aci Trezza, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-123...jpg
  • ACI TREZZA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Antonino Sparti (1 year old), who was banned from having a godfather, plays with a miniature remote control white Mercedes during a photo shoot in Aci Trezza, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-121...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Agata Peri (68), the great grandmother of Antonino Sparti (1 year old), who was banned from having a godfather, is seen here after the baptism outside the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-116...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Nicola Sparti (24, right) and Grace Motta (21, left) hold their baptised son Antonino after the baptism in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021. The Sparti family was banned from naming a godfather for their son Antonino.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-112...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: The Sparti family poses for a group picture after the baptism of Antonino in front of the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021. he Sparti family was banned from naming a godfather for their son Antonino.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-103...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Alfio Motta (22, left), puts a golden necklace and cross on his nephew Antonino Sparti (1 year old), as his mother Grace Motta (21) holds him, after the baptism in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021. Alfio Motta, Antonino’s uncle, felt cheated out of a great honor.<br />
“I feel like the godfather,” he said. “Even if I don’t have the title.”<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-098...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Godfather Ivan Arena (29, left) poses for a picture with his godchild Andrea Arena (1 year old) and the godmother after the baptism ritual in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-090...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: (L-R) The Sparti family, who was banned on naming a godfather, waits for the Arena family, who received a special dispensation to name a godfather because of a death in the family had delayed the previously scheduled baptism, to sign the baptism documents in the sacristy of the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-081...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio makes a sign of the cross on Antonino Sparti's forehead during a baptism ritual in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-070...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio makes a sign of the cross on Andrea Arena's forehead during a baptism ritual in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-068...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio ladles holy water over Antonino Sparti’s head during a baptism ritual in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-048...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio is seen here as Nicola Sparti (24, right) holds his soon to be baptised son Antonino and walks towards the baptisimal font in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-043...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio is seen here during a baptism ritual in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-043...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio anoints Antonino Sparti with oil during a baptism ritual in the church  of Santa Maria della Guardia in Catania, Italy, on October 3rd 2021.<br />
<br />
The Roman Catholic diocese of Catania ended a grace period and imposed a three-year ban on the ancient tradition of naming godparents at baptisms and christenings, arguing that the once essential figure in a child’s Catholic education had lost all spiritual significance, becoming a mere connection for material gain and family ties — and sometimes mob ties — and should be at least temporarily scrapped. Other dioceses, including in the Tuscan city of Grosseto also announced plans this month to restrict the figure, and Pope Francis has expressed interest in the idea, according to the Calabrian archbishop who first floated it to him more than five years ago.<br />
<br />
That tainted notion of the godfather became most popularized by The Godfather, especially the iconic baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church as his henchmen whack all his enemies. But church officials warn that secularization more than anything led them to rub the godfather out.
    CIPG_20211003_NYT-Godfathers_A73-029...jpg
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