Rome Cardinal Cancels Funeral of Prominent Freemason

Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, refused permission for the Catholic funeral of Bruno Battisti D’Amario, a guitarist and senior figure in Italian freemasonry.
D’Amario, who died on August 5 aged 88, was known for his collaboration with Ennio Morricone and played guitar on famous soundtracks including A Fistful of Dollars, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and Once Upon a Time in the West.
His funeral had initially been approved at Santa Maria in Montesanto, Rome’s “Church of the Artists.”
After his death, however, the Grand Orient of Italy revealed that D’Amario had held significant roles within freemasonry. He had founded a Roman lodge, composed the organization’s official anthem, and held several senior positions.
Church officials had allegedly been unaware of his Masonic involvement when approving the funeral.
After the information emerged, the basilica’s rector, Archbishop Antonio Staglianò, referred the matter to Cardinal Reina. Following consultation …More