He allegedly tried to emphasize the importance of Christmas with the story of St. Nicholas, a bishop famous for his generosity, as a defender of the faith and a supporter of the unjustly accused. The AP agency informed about it.
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“No, Santa Claus does not exist. Really. And the red dress she wears was chosen by Coca-Cola solely for advertising purposes, ”said Bishop Antonio Stagliano at the church in Noto, to the amazement of the children and parents present.
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After critical reactions on social networks, the Sicilian diocese apologized. “I am very sorry that Stagliano has caused disappointment in the children. I want to emphasize that his intention was completely different, “wrote the diocesan spokesman Alessandro Paolino on Facebook.
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“Of course, we must not destroy children’s imagination, but show good examples that are positive for their lives,” he added, adding that Santa Claus can convince children of the importance of gifts, generosity and help.
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But Paolino also said that Santa Claus should be avoided as a symbol of consumption and a desire to “shop and shop”.
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Some parents welcomed this interpretation, but others criticized the bishop for interfering in family traditions. According to some, it ruined the pre-Christmas time for the children, moreover during the time affected by the covidu-19 pandemic.
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“You showed that when it comes to family upbringing and children, you don’t understand anything,” one social network user wrote.
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