Pope praises legacy of De Gaspari

June 22, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI praised the legacy of the Italian post-war leader Alcide de Gasperi during a June 20 meeting with members of a foundation devoted to the memory of the former Italian prime minister. "Docile and obedient to the Church, he remained independent and responsible in his political choices, without using the Church for political aims and without making compromises with his own upright conscience," the Pope said of De Gaspari, who was a key figure in Italy's politics after World War II. His example, the Pontiff said, should be an inspiration for Italian public figures today.

 

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Further information:

• De Gasperi: may his Christian witness inspire politicians (VIS)