Turin authorities investigate man posing as Coptic priest

A 25-year-old man, identified as Salam Faragalla, allegedly posed as a Coptic priest for approximately four months in Turin, Italy. Using falsified documents, he claimed to be a religious official who had moved to the city to study at the Polytechnic University of Turin.

Faragalla successfully integrated into several parishes, including Santa Rosa da Lima, San Leonardo Murialdo, and Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore di Gesù. During this time, he reportedly celebrated Masses, heard confessions, and substituted for other priests. While some parishioners noted differences in his liturgical style, these were initially attributed to his supposed Eastern rite background.

The deception was uncovered following a report from a parishioner, which prompted investigations by the Diocese and the Italian Episcopal Conference. Authorities determined that his ordination certificate and university credentials were fraudulent. The Diocese has since removed him from his positions and filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office for suspected fraud.