For the first time sine the early 1990’s, organised crime has been given a papal condemnation. Pope Francis was speaking before a mass in one of the most crime-ridden areas of Italy where he was comforting the father of a three-year old boy who was recently the target of an organised crime attack.

It was the first time a pope had used the word excommunication – a total cutoff from the church – in direct reference to members of organised crime.

“Those who in their lives follow this path of evil, as mafiosi do, are not in communion with God. They are excommunicated,” he said in impromptu comments

Although, according to a spokesman from the Vatican, the excommunication is not in the legal sense, the Pope’s sentiments were sending a clear message from the church: those who engage in such heinous acts effectively excommunicate themselves through their acts and there should be no idolising or rewarding of these acts or organisations.

He has added that the full weight of the church will be used to combat organised crime as it is clearly one of the demands and needs of young people.

Even if you are not a religious person, you must commend this man for his bravery and his understanding of how to use his sway for positive transformation of an admittedly often out-dated church.

For more info and images visit The Guardian.