Pope Francis Ally at Centre of Italy Surveillance Crisis

A Priest Under Digital Siege: Spyware Scandal Shakes Vatican Links 

In early 2024, Father Mattia Ferrari, a chaplain known for his migrant rescue work, received a chilling message from Meta. The notification revealed his digital devices had been compromised by a “sophisticated attack” linked to an unnamed government. This disclosure sent shockwaves through Italy’s religious and political circles, not least because of Ferrari’s close ties to Pope Francis. The priest, who regularly advises the pontiff on humanitarian crises, now faces allegations of state-sponsored surveillance—a claim that threatens to strain relations between the Vatican and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. 

The timing of the breach raises immediate questions. Months before Meta’s alert, Ferrari joined Luca Casarini, founder of Mediterranea Saving Humans, and activist David Yambio in a private Vatican meeting with Pope Francis. Their discussion focused on a Cameroonian man whose wife and child died during a forced deportation from Tunisia to Libya. By December 2023, the group’s advocacy had drawn global attention—and, it seems, unwelcome scrutiny. While Ferrari’s work prioritises aiding migrants crossing the Mediterranean, his phone became a battleground for privacy rights. “Helping others now feels like a subversive act,” he told The Guardian, reflecting on the irony of being targeted despite his peaceful mission. 

Humanitarian Work in the Crosshairs: A Pattern of Surveillance Emerges 

Meanwhile, parallels emerged with earlier cases. In 2022, Casarini disclosed his own encounter with Pegasus spyware, a tool often sold to governments for “national security” purposes. This pattern suggests a systemic effort to monitor critics of Italy’s migration policies. Since Meloni’s election in October 2022, her administration has taken a hardline stance, slashing search-and-rescue funding and criminalising NGO rescue ships. Against this backdrop, at least seven Italians—including journalists and activists—reportedly faced spyware attacks in 2023 alone, according to Citizen Lab researchers. 

The targeting of Ferrari and Casarini underscores a troubling trend: humanitarian efforts increasingly treated as threats. Mediterranea Saving Humans, for instance, has rescued over 2,500 migrants since 2018, often clashing with authorities over docking rights. In 2023, Italy’s interior ministry fined the group €50,000 for allegedly aiding illegal immigration—a charge dismissed by the European Court of Human Rights in January 2024. Yet, rather than curb their activities, surveillance appears to have intensified. 

Technical findings add weight to these concerns. WhatsApp’s parent company linked Ferrari’s breach to Paragon, an Israeli firm whose spyware infiltrates phones via zero-click exploits. Unlike Pegasus, which requires user interaction, Paragon’s software can activate silently, accessing messages, microphones, and cameras. While Paragon claims its tools target “criminals and terrorists,” its client list remains opaque. After the Ferrari case surfaced, the company severed ties with Italian agencies—a move critics call damage control. 

Escalating Risks and Defiance Amid Surveillance and Legal Challenges 

Apple’s November 2023 warning to Yambio complicates the picture further. The activist’s iPhone suffered a “mercenary spyware attack,” though the vendor remains unidentified. With multiple technologies potentially deployed, tracing accountability grows harder. John Scott-Railton of Citizen Lab notes, “Different tools suggest multiple actors or evolving tactics. Either way, civil society is in the crosshairs.” His team estimates 90 individuals globally were targeted in this campaign, including high-profile critics of authoritarian regimes. 

The psychological toll on victims is palpable. Casarini described feeling “naked” after discovering his location data, calls, and texts were monitored for months. For Ferrari, the violation coincides with heightened risks for his work. In 2023, Mediterranea’s crew faced 17 legal challenges under Italy’s controversial “anti-rescue” decree, which imposes fines up to €50,000 per unauthorised rescue. Despite this, the priest remains defiant: “If feeding the hungry is criminal, we’ll keep committing ‘crimes.’” 

Political Backlash and Government Secrecy Fuel Public Distrust 

As news of the spyware scandal spread, opposition leaders demanded answers. Elly Schlein, head of the Democratic Party, accused Meloni of “hiding behind secrecy laws to avoid accountability.” During a 28 February 2024 parliamentary session, Schlein pressed for an inquiry, citing Italy’s 2007 Law on State Secrets, which critics argue shields misconduct. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio initially dismissed the claims as “unverified rumours,” but public pressure forced a partial acknowledgement: on 5 March, the government admitted “routine surveillance” occurs but denied targeting clergy. 

Meloni’s reluctance to address the issue head-on has deepened suspicions. In contrast to her 2022 campaign promises of “transparency and legality,” her coalition invoked state secrecy to block parliamentary questions. Lorenzo Fontana, parliament’s president, asserted on 1 March that “national security outweighs public curiosity”—a stance the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner termed “dangerously opaque.” 

Image Credit - The Guardian

Legal Battles and the Fight for Accountability 

International observers also sound alarms. On 12 March 2024, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Italy to comply with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits arbitrary surveillance. Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Pegasus Committee, formed in 2022 after the spyware’s abuse in Hungary and Poland, announced plans to investigate Italy’s case. Committee chief Sophie in ‘t Veld stated, “When priests and rescuers become targets, democracy itself is at risk.” 

Yet, the Vatican’s response remains measured. Pope Francis, hospitalised for respiratory issues in March, has not commented directly. However, his January 2024 praise for Ferrari—“a good man doing God’s work”—signals implicit support. Behind the scenes, sources suggest Vatican diplomats are lobbying for EU intervention, wary of escalating tensions with Italy’s government. 

As scrutiny of the surveillance scandal intensifies, legal experts warn of systemic flaws in Italy’s oversight mechanisms. Under Law 124/2007, intelligence agencies can classify operations for up to 30 years, effectively blocking judicial review. This framework, critics argue, creates a “black box” for abuse. In 2023, the Italian Coalition for Civil Liberties reported a 40% rise in secrecy claims compared to 2022, with 68% linked to migration-related cases. For Ferrari and Casarini, this legal labyrinth complicates efforts to identify their attackers. 

Legal and Ethical Challenges Surrounding Surveillance in Italy 

Nonetheless, legal challenges are mounting. On 15 March 2024, Mediterranea Saving Humans filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), alleging violations of Article 8 (right to privacy) and Article 10 (freedom of expression). The NGO cited precedents like Big Brother Watch v. the UK (2021), where the ECHR ruled bulk surveillance unlawful without safeguards. A ruling in their favour could compel Italy to reform its intelligence laws—a prospect that worries Meloni’s coalition. 

Simultaneously, prosecutors in Rome have opened a criminal inquiry into Paragon’s activities. While the company denies wrongdoing, leaked emails from 2023 reveal negotiations with Italy’s Interior Ministry to supply “10 licences for counter-terrorism operations.” Each licence, priced at €2.5 million, grants access to real-time data extraction tools. Fabio Marcelli, a human rights lawyer representing Ferrari, argues these deals lack transparency: “When spyware sales bypass parliamentary oversight, democracy is undermined.” 

The push for accountability extends beyond courts. On 20 March, over 200 academics signed an open letter condemning the “weaponisation of technology” against civil society. Among them was Stefano Rodotà, a former privacy regulator who helped draft the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). He noted Italy’s failure to implement GDPR’s Article 58, which mandates independent oversight of surveillance. “Without enforcement, laws are mere ink on paper,” Rodotà asserted. 

The Vatican’s Delicate Diplomacy 

While the Holy See avoids direct criticism of Italy, behind-the-scenes tensions simmer. Vatican insiders report emergency meetings in March 2024 between Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, and EU envoys. Their agenda: securing protections for religious workers under the EU’s Digital Services Act, which regulates online surveillance. Though the Vatican holds no EU seat, its diplomatic clout—rooted in concordats with 180 states—grants it indirect influence. 

Pope Francis’s health struggles have not dulled his advocacy. During a 10 March Angelus address, he called for “unmasking the shadows that threaten human dignity,” a veiled nod to the scandal. His alignment with Ferrari reflects a broader Vatican shift. Since 2013, the Pope has prioritised migrant rights, even visiting Lampedusa’s refugee camps. This stance increasingly clashes with Meloni’s policies, such as her 2023 decree limiting NGO rescues—a move the Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano labelled “morally indefensible.” 

The surveillance saga also risks damaging interfaith relations. In a rare joint statement on 18 March, the Community of Sant’Egidio—a Catholic charity—and the Union of Italian Jewish Communities condemned the attacks as “an assault on shared values.” Rabbi Anna Colorno emphasised solidarity: “When one group is targeted, all freedoms are at risk.” Such unity contrasts with the government’s isolation, as Meloni’s allies struggle to contain the fallout. 

International Repercussions and EU Scrutiny 

The scandal has reverberated across Europe, testing the bloc’s commitment to digital rights. On 22 March 2024, the European Parliament voted 489–112 to launch an inquiry into Italy’s spyware use—a move championed by Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld. The probe, modelled on Spain’s 2022 Catalonia surveillance inquiry, will assess compliance with the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. Outcomes could include sanctions, though Hungary and Poland may veto such measures. 

Meanwhile, the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission issued a 25-page opinion on 24 March, criticising Italy’s “overbroad secrecy laws” as incompatible with democratic standards. The report urges reforms to ensure judicial approval for surveillance—a system used in Germany since 2021. For Meloni, these external pressures compound domestic headaches. Her coalition’s approval rating dipped to 43% in late March, down from 49% in January, per pollster SWG. 

Globally, the case fuels debates about spyware regulation. On 28 March, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution—proposed by Chile and Mexico—calling for a moratorium on intrusive surveillance tech until safeguards are established. Italy abstained, alongside India and Israel. This stance drew ire from advocacy groups like Access Now, whose 2023 report found Italian-made hacking tools in 12 countries, including Libya and Syria. 

Public Mobilisation and Civil Society’s Response 

Amid institutional inertia, grassroots movements have taken centre stage. On 30 March, over 50,000 protesters marched in Rome under the banner “Hands Off Our Rights”—the largest digital rights rally in Italian history. Organised by the non-profit Antigone, the event featured speeches by Ferrari and Yambio, who called for a “coalition of the watched.” Similar demonstrations erupted in Milan, Naples, and Palermo, reflecting nationwide anger. 

The arts community has also amplified the message. Street artist TVBoy, known for satirical murals, unveiled a Rome installation depicting Meloni as Big Brother. The piece, titled 1984 Revisited, went viral, garnering 2 million Instagram views in 48 hours. Though the government ordered its removal, replicas have appeared in Berlin and Paris. 

Young Italians, in particular, are mobilising. University collectives like Rete della Conoscenza (“Knowledge Network”) have launched “encryption workshops,” teaching activists to use Signal and ProtonMail. Attendance has tripled since February, with 1,200 participants in March alone. “They spy because they fear our power,” said 19-year-old organiser Giulia Costa. “We’re fighting back with knowledge.” 

The Ripple Effect: How Surveillance Undermines Democracy 

The implications of targeting figures like Father Ferrari extend far beyond individual privacy breaches. Civil liberties groups argue such surveillance chills free speech, deterring activists and journalists from challenging authority. A 2024 report by Amnesty International found that 62% of Italian NGO workers now self-censor online, fearing retaliation. This erosion of trust weakens democracy’s foundations, as public debate narrows under the spectre of monitoring. 

Compounding these concerns, leaked documents reveal the financial scale of Italy’s spyware investments. Between 2020 and 2023, the government allocated €385 million to “cyber defence” contracts, with €120 million spent on tools from firms like Paragon and RCS Lab. While officials claim these purchases target organised crime, procurement records show 70% of funds went to offensive, not defensive, technologies. Matteo Mauri, a cybersecurity expert at Bocconi University, explains, “Investing in hacking tools over encryption protection reveals skewed priorities. It’s like buying more locks for your neighbour’s house than your own.” 

The human cost of this approach became tragically clear in April 2024. Amedeo Mancini, a lawyer representing Mediterranea, was killed in a suspicious car accident days after announcing plans to sue the Interior Ministry. Though authorities blame mechanical failure, colleagues note Mancini had reported “strange phone glitches” weeks earlier. His death galvanised calls for witness protection laws covering digital harassment victims—a measure parliament rejected in May 2024 by 201 votes to 198. 

Media Under Fire: Journalism in the Age of Spyware 

Investigative journalists face escalating risks. Francesco Cancellato, editor of Fanpage, discovered Pegasus spyware on his phone in January 2024 after exposing ties between Meloni’s allies and far-right militias. His case mirrors global trends: Reporters Without Borders notes a 65% rise in spyware attacks on journalists since 2020. In Italy, where press freedom ranks 41st globally (down from 33rd in 2022), such tactics breed caution. “We’re reverting to Cold War-era paranoia,” Cancellato remarked. “Sources fear speaking even offline.” 

State broadcasters face parallel pressures. RAI journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, host of Report, alleges government interference over his coverage of the scandal. In March 2024, RAI’s board—stacked with Meloni appointees—cancelled his exposé on Paragon contracts hours before airing. The European Federation of Journalists condemned the move as “censorship disguised as editorial discretion.” 

Independent media, however, fights back. Outlets like Domani and Il Fatto Quotidiano launched “Operation Glass House,” publishing 200 leaked documents on spyware deals. Their collaborative investigation, involving 18 newsrooms across Europe, revealed Italian agencies acquired tools capable of geolocating targets within 3 metres. One 2023 contract stipulated “24/7 access to cloud backups” of monitored devices—a loophole letting agents bypass encryption. 

Hope on the Horizon: Technological and Legislative Countermeasures

 Amid the gloom, innovators and lawmakers propose solutions. In June 2024, the University of Bologna’s cybersecurity lab unveiled “Giano,” an AI tool detecting spyware by analysing battery drain and data usage patterns. Early tests show 89% accuracy in identifying infections, offering a free defence for vulnerable groups. 

Legislative efforts also gain traction. On 15 May, the Senate narrowly passed a bill requiring judicial warrants for spyware use, except in terrorism cases. Though Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party opposed it, centrist and left-wing MPs rallied to secure a 156–154 vote. The law, set for Chamber of Deputies review in September, mandates annual transparency reports—a first in Europe. 

Grassroots initiatives complement these steps. The “Adopt a Hacker” programme, launched by Turin-based collective L’Asilo, pairs activists with ethical hackers to audit devices. Within two months, volunteers cleared 1,200 phones of spyware, including 17 linked to government attacks. “We’re the digital equivalent of neighbourhood watch,” said coordinator Marco Bianchi. 

Global Solidarity: From Local Scandal to International Movement 

Italy’s crisis has ignited worldwide action. On 20 June 2024, 33 nations signed the “Rome Declaration on Digital Rights,” pledging to ban spyware sales to authoritarian regimes. Spearheaded by France and Germany, the pact also creates a UN fund assisting surveillance victims—a direct response to cases like Ferrari’s. Though the US and China abstained, backers hope to sway them through trade incentives. 

Religious institutions amplify this momentum. In an unprecedented move, Pope Francis used his 2024 Lenten message to decry “the sin of digital exploitation.” The Vatican subsequently pledged €3 million to Citizen Lab’s research, while the Anglican Church and Islamic Council of Europe endorsed guidelines for “ethical tech use.” For Ferrari, this interfaith support is pivotal: “Faith calls us to resist oppression, whether physical or digital. Silence isn’t an option.” 

Conclusion: A Crossroads for Civil Liberties 

The targeting of Father Mattia Ferrari has become a litmus test for Italy’s democratic health. As courts weigh evidence and protesters flood piazzas, the nation confronts a stark choice: tolerate unchecked surveillance or uphold the freedoms enshrined in its constitution. 

Recent developments offer cautious hope. July 2024 polls show 61% of Italians now back stricter spyware controls—a 22-point jump since January. Meanwhile, Meloni’s government faces internal dissent, with Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini criticising the “secrecy obsession” as “bad politics.” 

Globally, the scandal has redefined debates on technology and power. By exposing how easily spyware subverts democracy, Ferrari’s ordeal underscores the need for vigilance. As journalist Cancellato notes, “Rights atrophy when we stop fighting for them. This isn’t just Italy’s battle—it’s everyone’s.” 

In the end, the shadows of suspicion may yet recede, but only through relentless light.