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May 23, 2026

Pope Leo XIV visits Italy's 'Land of Fires,' condemns companies profiting from toxic waste dumping

Pope Leo XIV traveled to Acerra in Italy's Campania region on Saturday, meeting with families affected by illegal toxic waste dumping linked to mafia operations and denouncing companies that seek profits at the cost of environmental pollution. Around 15,000 people gathered to welcome the pontiff to the Terra dei Fuochi area, where illegal dumping has caused deaths and cancer cases.

May 23, 2026·4 sources
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Top claims

  • ▪During his visit, Pope Leo XIV met with families who lost children and young people to cancer linked to the pollution
  • ▪The Bishop of Acerra estimated that 150 young people have died from pollution in the city of Acerra over the past three decades
  • ▪Italian officials have identified dozens of other human-caused contamination sites across the country, including in Marghera and Vicenza

Subtopics

Corporate accountability1Environmental crime1Organized crime1Pope Leo XIV1

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