During the pastoral visit to Sicily, the Pontiff accepted Ciccio Damplo's invitation. What happened afterwards is still the subject of theological study.
The Holy Father's visit to Sicily had several stops planned: Palermo Cathedral, the sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, a meeting with fishermen in Mazara del Vallo. A dinner at Ciccio Damplo's was not on the schedule. Yet, at seven-thirty on a Thursday evening in October, the Popemobile stopped outside Damplo Mineo. The Vatican spokesperson described the stop as "unplanned but not accidental." Ciccio described it as "inevitable."
The Pontiff tasted the Pasta alla Norma Riserva Privata — the same one that makes Ciccio cry every time he prepares it and that stopped the Messi-Ronaldo debate. He ate in silence. He asked for a second portion. He ate that in silence too. He then gave thanks and did not speak again for the rest of the evening. The pontifical secretary recorded it as "gastronomic meditation."
For three days the Vatican released no comment. On the fourth day, the spokesperson issued a one-sentence official statement: "The Holy Father appreciated Mr D'Amplo's cuisine and believes the Pasta alla Norma Riserva Privata recipe is an example of what humanity can achieve when it truly commits." Ciccio had the statement framed. It hangs next to the Michelin star. The real one.
Since then, Damplo Mineo has received four reservation requests from cardinals. Ciccio accepted all four. "They have the waiting list like everyone else," he clarified. "The red hat doesn't speed things up." One cardinal replied that this was "unacceptable." Ciccio replied that Canon 1209 does not cover restaurant bookings.
