Five nuns flee Italian convent after Mother Superior's removal

Five nuns have found refuge in a dilapidated villa after fleeing their convent in Italy last year, following the Vatican's decision to remove their Mother Superior. The nuns' departure came after Mother Aline Pereira Ghammachi, who had revitalized the convent's finances through the production and sale of prosecco and honey, was reportedly ousted. Ghammachi, a 40-year-old Brazilian with a business background, had become the youngest abbess in Italy. She had previously spoken out about facing skepticism in the Vatican due to her gender, nationality, and appearance. The dispute reportedly involved the Vatican's disapproval of the nuns' use of WhatsApp and photography within the convent. Following her removal, several nuns chose to leave with her, seeking refuge and stating that the situation had become unbearable. They have since been living in a villa offered by a benefactor, seeking a life away from what they perceived as oppressive control. Ghammachi had also previously spoken of encountering fake visionaries demanding money from the convent, and her efforts to address these issues reportedly led to anonymous letters and an inspection, culminating in her reassignment.

“

In the Vatican, no one would take me seriously because I am a woman, Brazilian, and beautiful.