Milan priest goes viral after responding to middle finger gesture during riots

During riots in Milan last weekend, a 65-year-old priest, Father Giannicola Maria Simone, was recorded making an obscene gesture toward a young participant. The incident occurred outside the Church of Saint Alexander of Zebedia, situated near via Torino, as groups of youths were dispersing from the city center during the unrest.

Father Simone, who has spent his career working with youth, confirmed to Corriere della Sera that the viral video is authentic. He explained that he reacted to a youth who had directed a middle finger at him first. The priest stated he did not intend to incite further violence and noted that he would not have reacted that way outside the context of the chaotic environment. During the clashes, the priest reportedly sheltered tourists and passersby inside the church until the situation calmed down.

He expressed no regret for his actions, emphasizing that he has never physically harmed anyone throughout his long ministry. While some versions of the video circulating online have been manipulated, the priest maintains that his response was a singular reaction to the ongoing aggression.