Pope Tells Sicilians to Stand Against Mafia

Pope John Paul II, starting a trip to the Mafia stronghold of Sicily, told the island’s residents Friday that those who fail to speak out against crime are guilty of complicity.

“Catania, rise up and cloak yourself in light and justice,” the 74-year-old pontiff said in an arrival address to thousands of people gathered in front of Catania’s cathedral.

“Time is running out and does not allow for a wait-and-see attitude, timid mediocrity,” he said. “In the present historic moment, there is no time for cowardice or inertia.”