Vatican upholds removal of Italian priest Massimo Biancalani

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Clergy has rejected an appeal by Father Massimo Biancalani, confirming his removal as pastor of two parishes in the Diocese of Pistoia, Italy. The decision follows a protracted dispute regarding Biancalani’s activism and his efforts to provide shelter to migrants within his parish churches.

In 2016, Biancalani gained national attention for hosting migrants in his parishes, an initiative aligned with calls from Pope Francis to welcome immigrants. This activism drew significant political opposition and public debate. Following protests from local residents and concerns regarding security and hygiene, authorities eventually closed the parish buildings.

In September 2025, the Diocese of Pistoia ordered Biancalani to transition to a role within the diocesan missionary apostolate. Biancalani refused the reassignment and filed an appeal with the Vatican, alleging that his removal violated canon law. The Dicastery for Clergy rejected the appeal, citing that Biancalani had been negligent in his pastoral duties to his parishioners, which constitutes grounds for removal under the Code of Canon Law.