A priest has sparked controversy and heated debates after telling churchgoers that the Virgin Mary "is free because she knows how to obey – tell that to the feminists".
Don Giuseppe Laterza made the eyebrow-raising remarks during a Christmas Novena prayer on Saturday, (December 20).
The questionable priest reportedly told worshippers: "Mary is truly free, free because she knows how to obey. You see, Mary is the truly freest woman in the world.
"We should tell that to some feminists." The shocking sermon at Conversano Cathedral in Italy’s Apulia region was live-streamed.
Footage quickly went viral on social media, drawing a wave of angry responses.
It comes after TikTok-loving priests gathered in Rome as they tried to lure in young people. In response to the priest's comments, one social media user wrote: "Our home-grown Taliban."
Another user commented that he is a "backward, sexist misogynist!" They continued: "I feel sorry for him, but the ‘witches’ are back."
A seperate individual added: “The fact remains that he could have avoided that pointless, petty and misogynistic remark.”
Laterza served as archbishop of the now-defunct Diocese of Vartana from 2023 to 2024, according to Need To Know.
He was also appointed by Pope Francis as apostolic nuncio – essentially the Vatican’s ambassador – to the Central African Republic and Chad.
Just days before his controversial comments, the religious man had shared photos of himself at an audience with Pope Leo XIV. Despite divided opinions, some faithfuls did not reacte with outrage.
A person named Raf said: “I’m glad that there is at least one bishop who criticises feminism.
"I just hope he isn’t forced to retract. It’s incredible how, in this society, you can attack anything and anyone – except feminism.”
Someone else called Claudio added: “In today’s ‘open’ society, flaunting its freedom and democracy, you can say anything – except what’s out of fashion.”