Palermo merchant protests over religious protocol changes

Merchants and business owners in Palermo, including photographers, DJs, and souvenir shopkeepers, have staged protests against changes to religious protocols. The demonstrators, organized by Confimprese Palermo and the Faith, Economy, and Community Committee, are protesting a “catechism revolution” that extended the preparation period for first communion and confirmation from two years to five years.

Giovanni Felice, president of Confimprese Palermo, reported that the economic impact has reached an estimated 30 million euros annually, with some businesses seeing revenue drops between 30% and 50%. Protesters have suggested that increasing the intensity of weekly lessons could shorten the required duration and mitigate the economic freeze affecting the local ceremony industry.

While demonstrators held a sit-in in front of the Archbishop's Palace and briefly chained themselves to a gate, the Curia remained closed to their appeals. Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla stated that the municipal administration will not provide compensation for losses resulting from Church pastoral decisions, though he proposed using administrative surpluses for broader business modernization grants.