Italian bishops blast autonomy reform as threat to unity, common good

ROME – Both the Italian bishops and a top Vatican prelate have condemned Italy’s new and hotly contested “differentiated autonomy” law as a measure that sharpens the disparity between rich and poor and which acts against the common good of the country.

Approved by Italy’s lower house on Wednesday after a fiery all-night debate, the legislation grants individual regions in Italy more power over how tax revenues are collected and spent, and over public services such as healthcare and education.