Pope's straight talk to Rome officials causes political storm

Published: 2008-01-11

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an apparent rebuke to Rome government officials, Pope Benedict XVI criticized what he called "very serious degradation" in areas of the city and the surrounding region. The pope urged the officials to resolve a series of emergencies in education, housing, poverty, unemployment and public safety. He also warned that there should be greater support for the traditional family "founded on marriage" -- an implicit criticism of recent efforts in Rome to grant legal recognition and benefits to cohabiting couples. The talk Jan. 10 ignited a storm of political controversy, and the next day the Vatican issued a statement expressing amazement at the reaction. It said it was not the pope's intention to ignore the "appreciable commitment" of the city and the region to deal with the problems. The pope made his remarks in a meeting with administrators led by Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni; the president of the province of Rome, Enrico Gasbarra; and the president of the region of Lazio, Pietro Marrazzo. All three are members of center-left political parties.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .