Vatican newspaper's political endorsement roils Italian campaign

December 31, 2012

Political opponents of Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Monti have derided L’Osservatore Romano for an editorial endorsement of Monti’s re-election effort. Critics pointed out that the Vatican newspaper, which had praised Monti’s commitment to “the nobility of politics,” had in the past leaned toward the leadership of Silvio Berlusconi, whose government collapsed in a sex scandal.

But Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the president of the Italian bishops’ conference, stood by the L’Osservatore Romano editorial. “The honesty and ability of Monti has been commonly recognized," he said.

 

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Further information:

• Opponents mock Monti after Vatican newspaper endorsement (ANSA)
• Vatican newspaper backs Monti's bid to form new Italian government (CWN, 12/28)