ROME – A social media row between the mayor and bishop of Nola, Sicily, has divided the town after an image of Giordano Bruno, philosopher and heretic, was projected onto the side of Nola’s cathedral.  

 Giordano Bruno was a philosopher and poet from Nola who proposed ideas such as cosmic pluralism – the idea that stars are distant suns surrounded by their own planets. The Roman Inquisition accused him of heresy on charges that he did not believe in core doctrines of the Catholic Church such as eternal damnation, transubstantiation, and the divinity of Christ. He was burnt at the stake in Campo de’ Fiori in Rome by the Inquisition on Feb. 17, 1600.

 Commemorating the anniversary of Bruno’s death and his legacy, historical reenactments were held in the town centre. This included an image of Bruno surrounded by flames projected onto the cathedral's gable, of which Mayor Carlo Buonauro posted a photo on his Facebook page.  Buonauro wrote that the display was a “phantasmagorical closing of the Brunian days” and was “evocative and instructive" which "enchanted audiences." 

 However, Bishop Francesco Marino was upset by this “jarring” projection on the cathedral and commented on the post. Using his personal account, he wrote “Mr. Mayor, without wanting to get into the merits of the contents of the historical reenactment, it seems appropriate to remind you, however, that if the Church recognises its mistakes in practical action […] it never spoke, nor could, for a rehabilitation of Giordano Bruno in the field of philosophical and even theological truth about the mistakes he made.”

 Bishop Marino also added that “it would have been necessary to at least seek the prior consent or authorisation of the Nolan Curia.”

 In response, others defended the mayor, saying that it was a "very beautiful show" and it was a "worthy and spectacular tribute" to Bruno. Another commenter added "despite the number of centuries which have passed, Giordano Bruno still scares the Church." 

 Mayor Buonauro offered an apology to the bishop, however defended the choice of “artistic representation.”

 The matter of Giordano Bruno’s “rehabilitation” has been set aside for now, although it continues to be debated. In 2000, the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State, Angelino Sodano, wrote that the Inquisition’s tribunal tried Bruno by “then-common methods of coercion” leading to his “atrocious death.”

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