Saturday, January 12, 2008

Angry Vatican reaction to "manipulation" of papal speech

The Vatican press office has issued an angry denunciation of "political manipulation" of remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI at a meeting with local government officials.

During a traditional meeting on January 10 with officials of Rome and the surrounding Lazio district, the Holy Father mentioned the need for joint action to address the rising costs of living and the struggles of those living in poverty.

Some journalistic accounts portrayed the Pope's remarks as a criticism of existing social programs.

The Vatican took strong exception to that interpretation, saying that it "cannot but provoke amazement."

"It was certainly not the Pope's intention to undervalue the social work being carried out with praiseworthy dedication by the leaders of the City of Rome and of the Region," the Vatican statement continued.

The statement went on to note that Pope Benedict had promised the help of the Church in addressing the "pressing human problems" in Rome and its surroundings.

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