Pope Leo XIV stands with families poisoned by Italy's toxic waste crisis

Pope Leo XIV visited Acerra, near Naples, to meet families devastated by decades of illegal toxic waste dumping. The trip came ahead of the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical Laudato Si’. Local leaders and thousands of residents lined his route to share their stories of loss.

The area, known as Terra dei Fuochi (Land of Fires), has suffered from mafia-controlled pollution linked to rising cancer rates and other serious illnesses. During the visit, the pope gathered with families who lost relatives to diseases caused by toxic waste. Among them was Filomena Carolla, who presented him with a book of memories about her daughter, Tina De Angelis. Tina died of cancer at just 24. Another victim, Maria Venturato, also succumbed to cancer at 25.

Bishop Antonio Di Donna told the pope that around 150 young people in Acerra had died over the past 30 years due to the pollution. He urged the pontiff to publicly condemn those still poisoning the land. The pope also met with mayors from 90 affected communities, listening to their pleas for justice and protection.

The European Court of Human Rights previously ruled that Italian authorities had failed to safeguard residents from toxic waste since 1988. Despite this, illegal dumping and its deadly consequences persist in the region. The pope’s visit highlighted the ongoing suffering in Terra dei Fuochi, where toxic waste continues to claim lives. Families demanded action, while local leaders sought stronger measures to halt the pollution. The event underscored the long-term impact of environmental crimes on communities still waiting for justice.