Chiara Nava A video has gone viral on social media showing Father Giannicola Maria Simone , 65, a priest at the Church of Sant'Alessandro di Zebedia in Milan, giving a middle finger to a young man involved in last weekend's clashes in the city center. As reported by Corriere della Sera , the priest was standing in front of the church as several young people were running away from the rioting.
One of them made an offensive gesture at him and the priest reacted in kind.
The images have been viewed millions of times, sparking numerous reactions and even doubts about their authenticity. The priest, however, clarified that the video is real, while pointing out the circulation of false versions. He also clarified that he had not acted with violent intentions and had never raised his hands against anyone.
The priest who gave a boy the finger: "I let everyone in to protect them."
Father Giannicola explained that he intervened primarily to protect those seeking shelter from violent youths . " There were so many people fleeing from the violent men, I let them all in ," he said.
Tourists and other passers-by thus found refuge inside the church , where they remained until the situation calmed down.
When asked if he regretted the gesture captured on video , the priest replied: " No, I don't think there's any need to talk about repentance ." An instinctive reaction, according to his version, that wasn't accompanied by any physical aggression.
The priest also attempted to speak with some of the young people gathered in front of the church , asking them why they were there. Some reportedly replied, " We don't know why we're here; everyone else came, so I came too ."
Young people's discomfort and a warning about safety
According to Father Giannicola, the youth involved in violent incidents represent a minority , but their behavior points to a broader problem, also linked to the lack of opportunities for socializing and alternatives. " If young people are bored, it's because we've locked them all up and left them with only a smartphone, something fake ," he observed.
The priest therefore invites us to look beyond individual incidents, trying to understand the unease that can fuel group behavior and violent acts . At the same time, he clarified that the priority remains the safety of those attending church and those passing by.
Should dangerous situations arise again, Father Giannicola is prepared to take a drastic decision: closing the church doors to protect those seeking a safe place . This warning highlights the delicate balance between welcoming those in need of protection and ensuring everyone's safety.