For what it is worth the Italians lynched in New Orleans in 1891, after the mistrial and suspected jury tampering of the mafiosi on the murder charge of the killing of the Police Chief David Hennessy left a legacy of sorts. Firstly the event supposedly is the origin of the word "Mafia".  Secondly it left the cardinal rule for criminals "do not kill or harm a cop".

Further to comment on your post: No, the church is not absolutely convinced that it does no wrong and follows Jesus Christ.  The church is absolutely convinced that it is immortal and follows Jesus, but sometimes in a piecemeal way.

Other parts of your post, such as about ergot mold relates to rye mold, which is associated with witch hysteria, mostly in German areas of the 17th century. This mold causes hallucinations and was a big root cause of witch hunts by Protestants and Catholics at that time.