On state visit, pope says Italy should not abandon Christian heritage

Published: 2005-06-24

ROME (CNS) -- Making his first official state visit to Italy, Pope Benedict XVI urged Italians not to abandon their Christian heritage and age-old values on human life and the family. The pope made his comments during a formal encounter June 24 with Italian President Azeglio Ciampi, who hosted the pontiff at Rome's Quirinal Palace, the presidential residence. The tone of the two-and-a-half-hour visit was friendly and cordial. But in his speech, the pope challenged Italians on several key issues, including abortion, euthanasia, marriage and aid to private schools. Saying that Italian culture was "permeated with Christian values," the pope warned that the country would be seriously damaged if they were eroded.

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