Italy Pope Acerra

Illegal waste is seen on the side of a road in the outskirts of the southern Italian town of Acerra in the Terra dei Fuochi, or Land of Fires, an area scarred by decades of pollution from illegal waste dumping and burning, much of it linked to organized criminal groups, Friday, May 22, 2026, a day ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit.

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Pope Leo meets families of youth lost to illegal toxic waste dumping in Italy's 'Land of Fires'

Pope Leo meets families of youth lost to illegal toxic waste dumping in Italy's 'Land of Fires'

Pope Leo XIV has visited families near Naples affected by illegal toxic dumping linked to the mafia. On Saturday, he met with those who lost loved ones to cancer and other illnesses tied to pollution. His visit to the "Land of Fires" reflects his commitment to continuing Pope Francis' environmental agenda. The European Court of Human Rights found that Italian authorities knew about the pollution since 1988 but failed to act. Bishop Antonio Di Donna emphasized the ongoing issue, urging the pope to condemn polluters. Families of victims appealed to the pope for help in healing the land.