Conforte fled to Brazil in 1991, ahead of a federal grand jury handing up numerous indictments in 1995 and 1998. Also in the Canonization Proposal, mention was made of his "community service" while in Prison in Carson City. He ran a casino in the prison. He called it "The Bullpen". He had my own waiter, "A nice old man named Williams, he used to bring me steaks so he could have some spending money, $2 a week. He killed a couple of lawyers in the Washoe County Courthouse. Yet, I considered him, my friend. There was a black kid, he used to get $3 a week for fanning me while I played bridge on hot days, and a guy called Penguin got $3 to bring my bathrobe and slippers after dinner and set up my chair to watch tv."
The Cardinal stated, "Service such as this should be rewarded, and, he is sharing a great deal of his wealth with my church, ah, our church."
By canonizing Mr. Conforte, the Vatican could be exhibiting broader views of conditions in the world. Saint Joe, could be the church's messenger.
