EUROPE/ITALY - “The Pope is the Vicar of Christ, he is beyond taking sides” says a Salesian missionary

Rome (Agenzia Fides)-“I express deep closeness to the Holy Father” said Salesian Fr. Cosimo Alvati, former head of Radio Don Bosco in Madagascar and at present teaching Science of Communications at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome. “What took place was an orchestrated attack on the part of a minority which used an event which was to be a peaceful encounter and dialogue among cultures, to obtain media attention. The Pope as the Vicar of Christ is a figure beyond all sides whom no one can claim. He is the bearer of a message of charity, hope, acceptance and respect”.
“Catholics are right to gather round Pope Benedict XVI with serenity and love for everyone. I think someone - certainly not the Catholic Church - wants to start conflict between non believers and believers. In this regard I would ask the media to show more respect for the truth rather than stress extremists positions of a small group of secular fundamentalists” the missionary concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/1/2008 righe 12 parole 183)