‘Money motivated Ankara and Berlin terror attacks, NOT religion’, says religious leader
MONEY motivated the terror attacks in Ankara and Berlin, not religion, according to a top Italian religious leader.
Pope Francis appointed the Italian Bishop who said the terrorists were money motivated
Bishop Nunzio Galantino, who was personally appointed to his Secretary General position by Pope Francis, said the terrorists simply wanted to obtain “power and money”.
Man arrested after terror attack on Berlin Christmas market
The media brings out the worst in people
Although Melvut Mert Altintas, the gunman who shot Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey shouted the Islamic phrase “Allahu Akbar” which means "God is Great", and the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Berlin massacre, the Bishop said the media was at fault for fuelling the terrorists aggressive rage.
Bishop Galantino is known for his controversial views, opposing people praying near abortion clinics
The Bishop told an Italian newspaper: “At the bottom, there is just selfishness and oppression.
“Wars benefit those who have power or money, those who trade in weapons. Poor people die in wars, while the well-off are enriched.”
Bishop Galantino was quick to slap down the political idea of a “clash in civilisations”, instead he said the “vulgarity and aggressiveness" portrayed in the media "brings out the worst in people” and prevents a “peace coexistence”.
A vigil was created for the 12 people that died in the Berlin Christmas market
He added: “There is a terrorism of language, and you can kill with calumny. Look at the TV and politics and even social networks, the word of an imbecile is worth as much as that of a Nobel prize winner.
“Often the words of a violent person or a warmonger has even more impact.”
Gunman who murdered Karlov was shot by police
Instead of increasing security, the Italian Bishop said the world needs to become “more united” and “more tolerant” in order to solve the crisis whilst becoming aware of “violence in language”.
Galantine is well-known for his controversial views, in 2014 he angered anti-abortion protestors when he said he “has little time” for those who pray the Rosary outside abortion facilities.
He said: “I do not identify with the expressionless faces of those who recite the rosary outside abortion clinics.
"But with those young people who are opposed to this practice and strive for the quality of life of the people, for their right to health, to work”.