Silvio Berlusconi’s government was today engaged in a vigorous damage limitation exercise after Pope Benedict appeared to lend his immense moral authority to speculation that Italy was in danger of returning to fascism under the tycoon’s hardline, rightwing leadership.
In his customary midday Sunday address, the pontiff expressed concern at “recent examples of racism” and reminded Catholics it was their duty to steer others in society away from “racism, intolerance and [the] exclusion [of others]“.
On any other day, his remarks might have been seen as no more than a restatement of official Catholic doctrine. But they came instead in the midst of a furious dispute over an editorial published by Italy’s bestselling Catholic weekly, Famiglia Cristiana.
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In an editorial on Friday, condemning recent government moves against immigrants and Roma, the magazine said it was to be hoped fascism was not “resurfacing in our country under another guise”. The jibe outraged Berlusconi’s supporters, many of whom are themselves pious Catholics.
The leader of his parliamentary group in the upper house, Maurizio Gasparri, announced he would personally sue the priest who is Famiglia Cristiana’s editor while the junior minister with responsibility for family affairs, Carlo Giovanardi, said the magazine was “possessed by ideological malice”.
August 19th, 2008 at 5:24 am
The Pope needs to say that to the “regime” in the USA as well. We are very close to being a facist regime.
August 19th, 2008 at 6:18 am
If it wasn’t so serious i’d be on the floor in hysterics. What does he mean “Italy was in danger of returning to fascism” Theres no returning about it Benedict my boy, the whole of Europe and the western world have never been without Fascism, it’s just been lying dormant for a while so they can re-group and he knows it, he was brought up a Fascist. It’s just another NWO “black is white, white is black, look at me i’m innocent” load of b/s.
August 19th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Italy is a beautiful country filled to the rim with historical treasures and the food is also excellent. I have, however, given up on them. After a long period of Berlusconi’s mismanagement, they had the wisdom to vote him out (despite Silvio’s massive election fraud and his absolute control of the mass media). Now they have reelected the fascist bastards who, in the first place, wanted to be elected only to be immune for juridical indictment regarding bribery and fraud.
It is the same as having Bush for two terms and then throw him out of the White house only to have him reinstated after a few years.
Italy is lost. They have made their bed and now they will have to sleep in it.
August 19th, 2008 at 7:28 am
I’m surprised that the Pope would eve give a shit if Italy turned into a fscist state. I’m shocked he even said that and let the people know what’s going on.
August 19th, 2008 at 8:54 am
This pope knows a bit about fascism…Since his youth…so when he says Italy is turning fascist, you listen.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Tom, I’ll have to quote that great sage of the universe, Darth Vader, “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
Wait till ol Gentle Ben makes John Paul II a “saint.” The aftermath will make the Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Bush regimes and legacies combined look like a day at the park.
Tell ‘em V2Refuter!!!
This ain’t nothin. In the mean time we wait for the war to start. Oh, and there will be a circus freakshow in the making; Bush may convert to “catholicism.” Flight attendant, I’m going to need a 55 Gallon Air Sickness Bag. Quickly, please. Great, just great, another sparkling, soul-inspiring “christian” who calls himself “catholic” in the white house. Maybe one of the Grovers can sing “Happy Birthday Mr. President” as Bush signs martial law into effect.