Italian, Vatican leaders decry European court ruling against classroom crucifix

November 04, 2009

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has denounced the ruling of the Europena Court of Human Rights that display of a crucifix in school classrooms is a violation of students' rights. Proclaiming the court's judgment "unacceptable," Berlusconi said that it was "one of those decisions that often make us doubt Europe's good sense." He said the Italian government will appeal the ruling.

The director of the Vatican press office, Father Federico Lombardi, offered a milder reaction, saying that the court's ruling was "sad" and lamenting that the European court "is intervening so heavily in a matter that is deeply tied to the historic, cultural and spiritual identity of the Italian people.” Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, remarked: "This Europe of the 3rd millennium only leaves us with Halloween pumpkins and takes away our dearest symbols."

 

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Further information:

• Berlusconi says crucifix ruling denies Europe's roots (Reuters)
• Vatican denounces European ruling against crucifixes in schools (CNS)
• 'Left with pumpkins,' Vatican says (ANSA)
• Classroom crucifix violates human rights, European court rules (CWN, 11/3)