Italian ‘mystic’ faces fraud trial over claim Virgin Mary statue wept blood

Gisella Cardia, who has drawn hundreds of pilgrims to a lakeside town near Rome by claiming that a statue of the Virgin Mary wept tears of blood, is now facing trial for alleged fraud. The claims, which also included assertions that the statue was transmitting messages to her, led to donations amounting to €365,000. This case highlights the potential for exploitation in religious contexts, as it raises concerns about the authenticity of such miraculous claims and the motivations behind them. Cardia and her husband, Gianni Cardia, are scheduled to appear in court in April next year, and the outcome of this trial could have significant implications for both the local community and the broader discourse on faith and fraud.