Hitman mixes bleach into communion wine to murder priest

Police are investigating after a priest almost sipped bleach instead of wine during Mass in what is the latest in a hate campaign of intimidation against him.Father Felice Palamara was just about to take a sip from the chalice during Holy Communion when he smelt a strong odour of cleaning product and stopped just in time.

The chaotic scene unfolded in front of dozens of worshippers at the Church of San Nicola di Pannanconi near Vibo Valentia in southern Italy.

Police were immediately called to the church, and took the chalice away for further examination. It was later confirmed that the wine contained enough bleach to cause the man's death.

The priest has a reputation for speaking out against organised crime in the area, and it is thought that it could have been a mafia hitman who filled the cup with bleach.

Speaking after the scary brush with death, he told local news outlets: "Thankfully I am doing ok but I am convinced these attacks have nothing to do with the local people as I have always got on well with them ever since I arrived."

He later told his congregation: "My vendetta is love, my shield is forgiveness and my armour pity. I'm serene, and besides offering pity and forgiveness. I hope that justice is done and there is clarity on these criminal episodes."