Outraged Parents Force Cleric to Apologize to Children for Saying 'Santa Claus Does Not Exist'

The Catholic bishop has been compelled to apologize to outraged parents after telling a group of children that 'Santa Claus does not exist,' reports the Daily Mail.

The Roman Catholic diocese of Noto in Sicily claims Bishop Antonio Stagliano did not intend to crush the dreams of young ones just two weeks before Christmas. The diocese's communications director, Father Alessandro Paolino, emphasized that Bishop Stagliano aimed to highlight the true meaning of Christmas and the story of St. Nicholas, a bishop known for giving gifts to the poor and persecuted by the Roman emperor.

While several parents in the diocese welcomed the bishop's effort to focus on the authentic Catholic significance of Christmas, others criticized Stagliano for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, dampening the children's spirit.