The Ivrea Prosecutor’s Office is investigating an Italian priest following the discovery of drugs, dozens of animals, and an irregular situation in the parish house of Bosconero, in Piedmont. The parish priest, Don Mario Viano, 39 years old, has also been missing for more than two weeks, in a case that has generated bewilderment in the community during Holy Week.
According to Corriere Torino, the priest has been entered into the register of suspects for possession of drugs for trafficking purposes, following an intervention by the forest carabinieri that uncovered an unusual situation in the parish.
An inspection that uncovers an anomalous situation
The investigation began following an apparently minor episode: the escape of a goat from the parish house. From there, an inspection was carried out that led the agents to search the priest’s home.
Inside, they found around 26 purebred cats—mainly Maine Coon and Ragdoll—, animals of high economic value, distributed between the sacristy and the priest’s private quarters. According to initial checks, the conditions in which they were found were not adequate.
During the search, about 200 grams of marijuana were also found, which prompted the opening of proceedings by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspicions about animal breeding and sales and other findings
The investigation is now trying to determine whether there was an activity related to unauthorized breeding and sale of cats, given the quantity and value of the animals found.
To these elements is added another detail that broadens the scope of the case: the priest would also have had reptiles, specifically snakes, in facilities linked to the Archdiocese of Ivrea, an aspect that is being verified.
Disappearance during the central days of the Triduum
After the search, Don Mario Viano stopped appearing at the parish. For about fifteen days, he has not been seen again, and he is officially listed as ill. However, his absence coincides with the central days of the Paschal Triduum, when he should have been leading the liturgical celebrations.
The Diocese of Ivrea has not provided explanations about his whereabouts, although, according to published reports, his suspension has been arranged.
The faithful come to his defense
In the face of the seriousness of the facts under investigation, a significant part of the parish community has come to the priest’s defense. Several faithful highlight his pastoral dedication and reject the portrait that the case is offering.
“He is a person who has dedicated years to caring for the community and listening to those who needed it,” say some parishioners, who ask that the facts be clarified “without forgetting the good he has done.”
Others emphasize his active character and his involvement in parish life, and assure that the story of the cats was intended to cover their maintenance, given the number of animals he had under his care.
An open case with multiple questions
The combination of elements—the drugs, the animals, the possible economic activity, and the priest’s disappearance—has generated a situation still full of unknowns.
While the Prosecutor’s Office tries to clarify the facts, the Bosconero community prepares to celebrate Easter without its parish priest, amid uncertainty and with a case that, by its nature, has left more questions than answers.