Archbishop Renato Boccardo files complaint over defamatory social media posts

Archbishop Renato Boccardo of Spoleto-Norcia filed a formal complaint with the Spoleto police on Sunday, October 25, following offensive and defamatory posts made against him on social media. The diocese stated that the archbishop has also provided relevant documentation to the diocesan lawyer.

The posts appeared on Saturday, October 24, following an interview the archbishop gave regarding end-of-life legislation approved in Umbria. The complaint targets the individual who authored the posts and several people who commented on them. The diocese noted that the messages contain personal accusations of particular gravity.

The archiepiscopal curia reported that Archbishop Boccardo expressed his gratitude to those in the diocese and throughout Italy who have offered their solidarity and prayers.