Como – During the solemn celebration of priestly ordinations held today at the Cathedral of Como, presided over by Cardinal Oscar Cantoni, numerous clerics and faithful noticed the conspicuous presence of several members of the association "Templari Oggi," recognizable by their customary cross insignia and distinctive white mantle. Their official participation in the rite, which took place during one of the most solemn moments of diocesan ecclesial life, caused considerable dismay among Catholics who have been aware for days of the serious letters sent to all diocesan ordinaries regarding this association.
As Silere non possum has already revealed in a well-documented investigation, the association in question, formerly known as "Catholic Templars of Italy," was officially suppressed by the Catholic Church through a diocesan decree of the Diocese of Verona in 2022, signed by Monsignor Giuseppe Zenti. This suppression was subsequently confirmed both by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, headed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, and in 2024 by the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura — a definitive ruling.
Furthermore, in March 2025, the Secretary General of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), Monsignor Giuseppe Baturi, sent a confidential letter to all Italian bishops warning them about the group's activities, which continue to operate in various dioceses without any canonical recognition, wearing garments and symbols that lead the faithful to believe they are an approved ecclesial association. The CEI document, drafted at the request of the competent Dicastery, clearly states: "The association's conduct generates confusion and scandal among the faithful."
In light of these facts, it is legitimate to ask why Cardinal Oscar Cantoni allowed their official presence in the Como cathedral, especially during such a significant celebration for the life of the local Church. Their participation in official attire, in a public liturgical context, constitutes a form of de facto legitimation, in evident contrast with the directives of the Holy See and the call for utmost prudence and vigilance expressed by the CEI.
Priests of the diocese express their dismay, especially because — as one of them states — "people only become scandalized afterward, when the scandal has already erupted, and then everyone acts like pretend sorrowful virgins, as if no one knew anything." The unfortunate impression is that not all pastors have understood the seriousness of the issue, or worse, have deliberately chosen to ignore the directives coming from Rome. However, serious accusations remain, including those directed at members of the clergy by these people, who have labeled the hierarchy as "confirmed pedophiles."
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Silere non possum