Turin Archdiocese files fraud complaint against man posing as Coptic priest

The Archdiocese of Turin has filed a fraud complaint against a 25-year-old Egyptian man who allegedly posed as a Coptic Catholic priest for several months. The individual, who may have used the name Salam Faragalla, presented forged documents claiming he was an ordained priest and an engineering student at the Polytechnic University of Turin.

Since June, the man served at the Santa Rosa of Lima parish in the Pozzo Strada district and also participated in services at the San Leonardo Murialdo and Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore di Gesù parishes. He reportedly used his status to celebrate Masses and perform confessions, often attributing his unique liturgical style to the differences between the Alexandrian and Latin rites.

The deception was uncovered after a parishioner raised suspicions, leading to an investigation by diocesan officials. Verification with Coptic Catholic leaders in Egypt confirmed that the man's ordination documents were not authentic. Additionally, his university enrollment was found to be forged. The Archdiocese has since removed his name from its official website and ordered his removal from the parishes. During his time in the community, the man received food, housing, and compensation for his services.