The diocese of Catania, region of Sicilia, in Italy, decreed a ban on the ancient tradition of naming godfathers and godmothers at baptism.
The measure will be valid for three years and applies to all parishes under the responsibility of the diocese.
To the newspaper The New York Times, Salvatore Genchi, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Catania, justified the controversial decision. He claimed that 99% of godparents in the region are not qualified for the position and that they are not good examples for their godchildren.
Furthermore, according to the newspaper, the appointment of baptism godparents “has become an opportunity to for families looking to improve their wealth, secure gifts of gold necklaces and make advantageous connections.”
Baptism godparents and the Italian mafia
The newspaper also makes a connection between the choice of godparents and the inner workings of the Italian mafia. The report says:
“Italian prosecutors tracked baptisms to map how underworld bosses spread influence, and mob widows in court saved their most venomous grudge for “the real Judas” who betray the baptismal bond. It's a transgression most associated with, well, "The Godfather," especially the baptism scene when Michael Corleone renounces Satan in church while his henchmen beat up all his enemies."
In other words: for the italian mafia, the relationship between godparents and godchildren is a bond of dependence and subordination.
Temporary experience
Genchi said the ban on godparents is a temporary experiment. For him, this three-year period will be enough for the Church to better prepare potential parents and godparents.
In fact, this time is shorter than a 10-year ban proposed by another bishop in 2014. Such an idea did not gain the necessary consensus from other bishops in the region.
It is worth mentioning that the Church recommends that choosing baptism godparents is not a merely social act. In fact, the Canon Law suggests that godparents should even be confirmed.
At the same time, the Church allows the local bishop the power to adapt certain disciplinary laws to the reality of each diocese.
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