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  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014:  Father Stefano Tomburo, the Franciscan friar in charge of the church of St. Francis at Ripa, waits for journalists to show them St. Francis' cell, in the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4617.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. 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: (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_A73-168...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
  • 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: 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
  • 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 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 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
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014:  Father Stefano Tomburo, the Franciscan friar in charge of the church of St. Francis at Ripa, show St. Francis' cell to journalist, in the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4598.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: Thousands of rain-soaked faithfuls in Saint Peter's square cheer as a puff of white smoke comes out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave is taking place, announcing to the outer world that a new Pope has been elected, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The 115 cardinals picked a new pope among their midst on the second day of the conclave, choosing Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, the first South American pope to lead the church. Jose Mario Bergoglio, called Francis I, is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_6286.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: Thousands of rain-soaked faithfuls wait for the announcement of the new pope after a puff  of white smoke came out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave took place, announcing to the outer world that a new Pope had been elected, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The 115 cardinals picked a new pope among their midst on the second day of the conclave, choosing Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, the first South American pope to lead the church. Jose Mario Bergoglio, called Francis I, is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_6220.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: A puff of white smoke comes out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave is taking place, announces to the outer world that a new Pope has been elected, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The 115 cardinals picked a new pope among their midst on the second day of the conclave, choosing Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, the first South American pope to lead the church. Jose Mario Bergoglio, called Francis I, is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_6061.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: (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: 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: 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: 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: Grace Motta (21, center) walks away from the baptisimal font holding her son Antonino after being baptised by Father Claudio 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_A73-052...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 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
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Father Claudio anoints Andrea Arena 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_A73-025...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: (L-R) The Sparti family, who was banned on naming a godfather, and 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, are 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_A73-022...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Godfather Ivan Arena (29) makes a sign of the cross on his godchild 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_A73-013...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: (L-R) The Sparti family, who was banned on naming a godfather, and 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, are 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_A73-008...jpg
  • CATANIA, ITALY - 3 OCTOBER 2021: Nicola Sparti (24, left) holds his soon to be baptised son Antonino as he is greeted by family members before entering 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_A73-003...jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014: Father Stefano Tomburo, the Franciscan friar in charge of the church of St. Francis at Ripa, checks to see how the fundraising campaign is progressing on a tablet to see  in the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4463.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: Thousands of rain-soaked faithfuls wait for the announcement of the new pope after a puff  of white smoke came out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave took place, announcing to the outer world that a new Pope had been elected, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The 115 cardinals picked a new pope among their midst on the second day of the conclave, choosing Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, the first South American pope to lead the church. Jose Mario Bergoglio, called Francis I, is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_6458.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: Thousands of rain-soaked faithfuls in Saint Peter's square cheer as a puff of white smoke comes out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave is taking place, announcing to the outer world that a new Pope has been elected, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The 115 cardinals picked a new pope among their midst on the second day of the conclave, choosing Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, the first South American pope to lead the church. Jose Mario Bergoglio, called Francis I, is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_6325.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: Sister Laura (center, from Colombia), who studies philosophy and theology at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, cheers together with thousands of other rain-soaked faithfuls in Saint Peter's square as a puff of white smoke comes out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave is taking place, announcing to the outer world that a new Pope has been elected, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The 115 cardinals picked a new pope among their midst on the second day of the conclave, choosing Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, the first South American pope to lead the church. Jose Mario Bergoglio, called Francis I, is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_6171.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: (L-R) Dr. Hans-Peter Fischer, rector of Collegio Teutonico, is here in the church of the Collegio Teutonico, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The Collegio Teutonico is the German College, the oldest German foundation in Rome, that was established and maintained at the Vatican for the education of future ecclesiastics of the Roman Catholic Church of German nationality. The college continues to assist poor Germans who come to Rome, either to visit the holy places or in search of occupation...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_5467.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 9 DECEMBER 2016: The church of Santa Barbara dei Librai, which hosts Nativity scene in a scale model of the same church, is seen here in Rome, Italy, on December 9th 2016.<br />
<br />
For at least two centuries, churches in Rome have attracted visitors by setting up elaborate Nativity scenes, often with moving parts, flying comets and running water, thus leading to a nativity scene tourism in the Italian capital.
    CIPG_20161209_NYT-Nativity__M3_8822.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 - 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: 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 - 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 - 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 22 MARCH 2017: A marble slab, shown here in the church of San Nicola da Tolentino, documents the presents of a synagogue in the site where the church was later built, in Palermo, Italy, on March 22nd 2017.<br />
<br />
In 1492, Sicily’s Jews were banished from the island, the victims of a Spanish edict that forced thousands to leave and others to convert to Roman Catholicism. On Jan. 12, exactly 524 years to the day that the edict gave as a deadline for Sicily’s Jews to depart, Palermo’s archbishop, Corrado Lorefice, granted the emerging community the use of a deconsacrated oratory, to be transformed into Palermo’s first stable synagogue in five centuries.  The synagogue will be located in what once was known as the Giudecca, Palermo’s ancient Jewish quarter
    CIPG_20170322_NYT_JewishPalermo__M3_...jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014: A stained wall probably caused by the candles and oil lamps left by a now stopped up window, in the cell of St. Francis in the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4403.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014: A photograph of Pope John Paul II during his visit in St. Francis' cell in 1998 hangs on the left wall of the cell in the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4383.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014:   The darkened cell used by St. Francis in the 13th century with a wooden altar, built in the 16th century, which contains relics such as shards of bones from different saints and martyrs, is here in the the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4375.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014:   The darkened cell used by St. Francis in the 13th century with a wooden altar, built in the 16th century, which contains relics such as shards of bones from different saints and martyrs, is here in the the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4373.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014: Behind a metal screen is a stone that St. Francis is said to have used as a pillow to lean against as he slept in a sitting position in the cell (such stones were considered holy in medieval Christianity), in the cell St. Francis in the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4333.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: (L-R) Dr. Hans-Peter Fischer, rector of Collegio Teutonico, is here in the cemetery of the Collegio Teutonico, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The Collegio Teutonico is the German College, the oldest German foundation in Rome, that was established and maintained at the Vatican for the education of future ecclesiastics of the Roman Catholic Church of German nationality. The college continues to assist poor Germans who come to Rome, either to visit the holy places or in search of occupation...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_5482.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: (L-R) Dr. Hans-Peter Fischer, rector of Collegio Teutonico, is interviewed by journalist Barbara Baumgartner, at the cemetery of the Collegio Teutonico, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The Collegio Teutonico is the German College, the oldest German foundation in Rome, that was established and maintained at the Vatican for the education of future ecclesiastics of the Roman Catholic Church of German nationality. The college continues to assist poor Germans who come to Rome, either to visit the holy places or in search of occupation...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_5378.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: A view of the cemetery of the Collegio Teutonico, or German College - the oldest German foundation in Rome, established and maintained at the Vatican for the education of future ecclesiastics of the Roman Catholic Church of German nationality, in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. The college continues to assist poor Germans who come to Rome, either to visit the holy places or in search of occupation...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_5359.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City exits the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, after giving a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3671.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: Two women look at of a window as U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City exits the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, after giving a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3654.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City speaks to the media after giving a Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3520.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: A well-wisher exits the Our Lady of Guadalupe church after U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City gave a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3469.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: A makeshift microphone stand holds the mics of U.S. and italian media for a press conference with U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City after giving a Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3422.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City takes part of a procession with parishioners towards the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3329.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City takes part of a procession with parishioners towards the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3318.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: Parishioners start a procession ahead of U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City towards the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3290.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. and Italian media, as well as well/wishers, gather at the entrance of the Our Lady of Guadalupe church as U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan enters to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3264.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. and Italian media, as well as well/wishers, gather in front of the gate of the Our Lady of Guadalupe church as U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan enters to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3241.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City speaks to the media before entering the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3178.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City speaks to the media before entering the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3155.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City speaks to the media before entering the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3153.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City arrives at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3084.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 6 MARCH 2013: (L-R) Seminarians John Connaughton, 36 years old from Trumbull, CT, and Junhee Lee, 25 years old from Brooklyn, NY, pose for a portrait in front of painting of former protectors at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, on March 6, 2013. James Hansen is attending his 2nd year of studies at the Pontifical North American College, while James Platania is attending the 4th year...The Pontifical North American College is a Roman Catholic educational institution that forms seminarians for priestly ministry in the dioceses in the United States and that provides a residence for American priests pursuing graduate studies...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times10139468AROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City arrives at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district where he is the titular head to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130306_NYT_DOLAN__IMG_2015.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 6 MARCH 2013: (L-R) Seminarians Jonathan Ficara, 26 years old from Moodus, CT, and John Wilson, 27 years old from Manhattan, NY, are here in one of the wings of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, on March 6, 2013. Jonathan Ficara is attending his 3rd year of studies at the Pontifical North American College, while John Wilson is attending the 1st year of theology...The Pontifical North American College is a Roman Catholic educational institution that forms seminarians for priestly ministry in the dioceses in the United States and that provides a residence for American priests pursuing graduate studies...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times10139468AROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City arrives at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district where he is the titular head to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130306_NYT_DOLAN__IMG_1951.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 6 MARCH 2013: (L-R) Seminarian Jonathan Ficara, 26 years old from Moodus, CT, walks in one of the wings of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, on March 6, 2013. Jonathan Ficara is attending his 3rd year of studies at the Pontifical North American College...The Pontifical North American College is a Roman Catholic educational institution that forms seminarians for priestly ministry in the dioceses in the United States and that provides a residence for American priests pursuing graduate studies...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times10139468AROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City arrives at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district where he is the titular head to give a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130306_NYT_DOLAN__IMG_1925.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 - 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
  • 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) walks with his son Antonino away from 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 />
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_A73-127...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
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 22 MARCH 2017: A marble slab, shown here in the church of San Nicola da Tolentino, documents the presents of a synagogue in the site where the church was later built, in Palermo, Italy, on March 22nd 2017.<br />
<br />
In 1492, Sicily’s Jews were banished from the island, the victims of a Spanish edict that forced thousands to leave and others to convert to Roman Catholicism. On Jan. 12, exactly 524 years to the day that the edict gave as a deadline for Sicily’s Jews to depart, Palermo’s archbishop, Corrado Lorefice, granted the emerging community the use of a deconsacrated oratory, to be transformed into Palermo’s first stable synagogue in five centuries.  The synagogue will be located in what once was known as the Giudecca, Palermo’s ancient Jewish quarter
    CIPG_20170322_NYT_JewishPalermo__M3_...jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014:  Exterior of the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4702.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014:  Exterior of the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4695.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014:  Exterior of the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4647.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 26 March 2014: The Blessed Ludovica Albertoni funerary monument by Italian Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, finished in 1674, is here in the Altieri Chapel of the 800-years old church of St. Francis at Ripa, in Rome, Italy, on March 13th 2014.<br />
<br />
When St. Francis used to come to Rome between 1209 and 1223 to meet the Pope Innocenzo III, he lived in a small room (or cell) and assisted lepers. After eight centuries the cell requires substantial restoration, yet the church does not have the $125,000 needed for the project, so they have launched a 30-day online fundraising campaign, using the “crowd funding” website, Kickstarter.
    CIPG_20140326_NYT_StFrancis__M3_4307.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 13 MARCH 2013: The new pope, Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio appears at the central  balcony of St Peter's Basilica's  after being elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on the second day of the conclave, in Vatican City on March 13, 2013...On March 12, 2013, the 115 cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130313_ADAC_Conclave__MG_6568.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City speaks to the media after giving a Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3565.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City speaks to the media after giving a Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3560.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: (L-R) Mother Superior Sister Amelia and Sister Annachiara of the religious institute of the Alcantarine Franciscan Nuns exit the Our Lady of Guadalupe church after U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City gave a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3481.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: Sisters of the religious institute of the Alcantarine Franciscan Nuns exit the Our Lady of Guadalupe church after U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City gave a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3474.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: A well-wisher exits the Our Lady of Guadalupe church after U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City gave a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3459.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: Parishioners smile at well-wishers outside the gate of the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City is giving a Sunday Mass, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3457.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: U.S. and Italian media sets up their cameras for a press conference with U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City after his Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the Monte Mario district, where he is the titular head, in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2013. Cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave is scheduled to start on March 12 inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church...Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20130310_NYT_DOLAN__MG_3387.jpg
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