Prosecutor Warns Of Possible Mafia Threat Against Pope Francis

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Is the pope in danger?

Pope Francis could be at risk from an organized crime organization, according to a leading anti-mob prosecutor who said he has also been the target of threats from the Mafia, according to a report on Religion News Service.

The 'Ndrangheta organized crime organization is considered to be the most dangerous, most unified and most difficult to penetrate Mafia-type organization in Italy, RNS reported.

"Those who have up until now profited from the influence and wealth drawn from the church are getting very nervous," State prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, 55, said. "For many years, the Mafia has laundered money and made investments with the complicity of the church. But now the pope is dismantling the poles of economic power in the Vatican, and that is dangerous."

The pope has brought an air of openness and has vowed to bring transparency to the Vatican Bank.

Pope Francis has also spoken out strongly against organized crime in the past.

Gratteri said that is making members of 'Ndrangheta nervous.

"If the Godfathers can find a way to stop him, they will," Gratteri said.

So far there has been no comment from the Vatican.

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