Catania celebrates 900th anniversary of Saint Agatha's relics

Catania recently marked the 900th anniversary of the translation of the relics of Saint Agatha. During the celebrations, Catania Mayor Enrico Trantino kissed the saint's skull upon the invitation of Archbishop Luigi Renna.

Trantino's gesture drew criticism from the UAAR, which described the act as a “shameful surrender to necrophilic superstition and tribal rites.” In response, supporters of the mayor defended the action as an expression of cultural identity and religious freedom, noting that the mayor acts as a representative of a deeply devoted population.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered a homily during the commemorations, framing the martyrdom of Saint Agatha as a symbol of freedom and responsibility rather than just a religious icon. He suggested that the saint's legacy serves as a moral guide for facing modern global conflicts and social challenges.