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Catholic World News News Feature

Italian bishops' leader rejects "homophobia" charge May 23, 2007

The president of the Italian bishops' conference (CEI) rejected accusations that the Church is interfering in secular politics, as he opened a general meeting of the nation's episcopate on May 21.

"The criticism is simply ideological and calumnious," said Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco of Genoa as he addressed the opening session of the CEI meeting.

Archbishop Bagnasco has been the focal point of criticism and of threats since he emerged as the most visible Church spokesman in a national debate on the recognition of same-sex civil unions. The archbishop has energetically defended the right of Church leaders to speak on issues involving public morality and the welfare of families.

The CEI leader hailed the success of a "Family Day" rally, which drew at least 1 million people to Rome on May 12. The stunning success of the event, organized by lay Catholics, "reflects the maturity of the lay faithful: one of the objectives of the Second Vatican Council," the archbishop said. The event, he added, "will remain a strong sign of public opinion." Archbishop Bagnasco, who was leading his first meeting as president of the Italian bishops' conference, has received strong support from Pope Benedict XVI. On Sunday, the day before the CEI meeting, the archbishop was the Pope's luncheon guest, along with the former CEI president, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, and the group's secretary, Bishop Giuseppe Betori.