L'Osservatore denies a conflict with US bishops on Obama coverage

June 05, 2009

L'Osservatore Romano has denied that its favorable treatment of US President Barack Obama suggests a view different from that of the US hierarchy. An unsigned note in the June 5 issue of the Vatican newspaper says that article on Obama "did not intend to express appreciation for his positions on ethical questions." L'Osservatore-- which has come under criticism for publishing supportive articles on Obama, at a time when American bishops are heavily critical of the president's stand on the dignity of life-- says:

Obviously the Holy See and L'Osservatore Romano have been, are, and will be standing side by side with the bishops of the United States in their commitment to the inviolability of human life in whatever stage of its existence.

While this explanatory note is found on the inside pages of the Vatican newspaper, a more prominent story in the same edition praises Obama's speech in Cairo on America's relations with Islam. (See today's separate CWN headline story.)

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Vatican Paper Steps Back on Praise for Obama (RNS)