BEFORE YOU GET MAD, FIND OUT WHY HE DID THIS. The priest who spoke for us all: Cleric goes viral after giving protesters the finger while protecting worshippers from far-left mob at his church An Italian priest has gone viral after flipping off protesters while protecting his congregation from a far-Left mob. The priest, identified as 65-year-old Father Giannicola Maria Simone of the Saint Alexander of Zebedia church in the heart of Milan, was seen giving a protester the finger. Footage showed a masked and hooded young man swearing at the priest. Fr Simone was then seen calmly returning the gesture as he stood outside the ancient place of worship. The incident took place last weekend, amid violence across Italy inspired by the riots seen in France. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, an Italian newspaper, the priest said he allowed many people seeking protection to come into the church: 'They weren't worshippers, but tourists and other passersby. They stayed here until the chaos passed. 'As these young people were walking by, someone gave me the middle finger. They're kids, so I'm not surprised. I gave them the middle finger back, but without any violent intentions or the risk of sparking further anger.' When asked whether he repented for the gesture, he said: 'No, I don't think we should talk about repentance. If I had thrown a punch, yes, but I've never raised my hand to anyone, not even in the most difficult moments. Credit: Monsignor Eric B..