by Antonio Napoli
Syncretism
Religious syncretism is a fascinating phenomenon, particularly in African spiritual traditions where Christianity merges with indigenous beliefs without losing its essence. African communities often integrate Christian figures with ancestral spirits, creating a fluid spirituality that adapts to life rather than imposing rigid doctrines.
Conversely, in Western contexts, syncretism has sometimes served as a tool of power. A striking example is mafia religiosity, where sacred symbols and rituals are manipulated to legitimize criminal dominance. This twisted blend distorts Christian values—non-violence, forgiveness, charity—turning them into instruments of oppression.
Religion between the Church and the Mafia
Mafia religiosity blends private devotion with public rituals, creating a false sacredness around criminal acts. Mafiosi pray for divine protection before committing crimes, attend mass without guilt, and grotesquely believe God favors their actions. This conflation of faith and violence blurs the line between justice and injustice, especially in vulnerable communities where poverty and low education prevail.
Historically, the Catholic Church’s stance has oscillated between silence, complicity, and open opposition. Scholars like Enzo Ciconte and Isaia Sales highlight how the Church’s failure to address social injustice contributed to the mafia’s rise. Only in recent decades has the Church unequivocally condemned the mafia, affirming the absolute incompatibility between the Gospel and organized crime.
Popular Piety: Faith from Below
Mafias exploit popular piety—processions, pilgrimages, and local devotions—to reinforce their social power. Statues of saints are stopped before mafiosi’s homes, signaling the community’s silent submission. The Church long regarded popular piety with suspicion, failing to protect its authentic spiritual value. However, Pope Francis now recognizes its profound evangelizing force, especially among the poor.
Purifying Faith
In southern Italy, popular piety needs purification from criminal contamination. It must become a mature expression of faith, free from manipulation. The Church must safeguard these grassroots devotions, preserving their human and prophetic dimensions while exposing their misuse for social control.
Conclusion
Mafia religiosity serves as a cautionary tale of how syncretism can be distorted when faith is hijacked by power. Unlike African syncretism, which harmonizes diverse traditions, the mafia’s fusion of religion and crime perverts spiritual values for selfish ends. Protecting the authentic essence of faith requires constant vigilance, ensuring that religious traditions never become tools of oppression but remain beacons of hope and justice.