The children played football, the parish will pay a fortune. The battle for silence is valued at millions

The parish in Palermo must pay compensation of EUR 45,000 to a nearby housing community because children playing football on the pitch next to the church disturbed the residents – a court in Sicily has decided. The local archdiocese expressed disappointment with the verdict.

Italian media reported that the legal dispute between the housing community and the neighboring parish of Saint Teresa in Palermo lasted over 10 years.

The residents of the house took the parish to court, arguing that their peace was being disturbed because children, teenagers and sometimes adults played football on the pitch until 8 p.m., and on weekends until midnight.

In 2019, the court determined that recreational activities organized at the local community center cannot last longer than 8 p.m., and only one ball can be used during them. The court even provided the name of the manufacturer of the permitted ball. He also ordered the installation of soundproof foam rubber barriers and banned football in August.

Community members claimed that this did not help and the noise continued. At the next stage of the court battle, they presented bills for psychotherapy and the purchase of antidepressants. They also rejected the position of the parish, whose superiors referred to the social function of games and fun.

At the end of 2025, the community rejected the offer of the church, which offered compensation in the amount of EUR 5,000. The court increased the amount of compensation to EUR 45,000.

In a statement quoted by Ansa, the Archdiocese of Palermo assured that it accepts the court's ruling with a sense of responsibility and confirmed that the parish will fully comply with the court's decision.

She also emphasized: “The church community center has educational, social and preventive functions and for decades it has been a place of key importance for children and teenagers for their development, integration and life in the community, especially in areas of the city that lack such facilities.”

As the archdiocese added, the lack of agreement is “regretful.” She also encouraged reflection on the social and educational function of church community centers.

Sylwia Wysocka from Rome (PAP)

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