Silvio Berlusconi's government was today engaged in a vigorous damage limitation exercise after Pope Benedict appeared to lend his immense moral authority to speculation that Italy was in danger of returning to fascism under the tycoon's hardline, rightwing leadership.In the traditional Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo, last Sunday, His Holiness emphasized the importance for Christians to help civil society to "overcome any temptation of racism, intolerance and exclusion, and to organize themselves with options that respected the dignity of human beings ".
The Pope added: "One of humanity's great conquests is indeed the overcoming of racism. Unfortunately, however, there are new and worrying examples of this in various countries, often linked to social and economic problems that nonetheless can never justify contempt or racial discrimination."
On any other day, his remarks might have been seen as no more than a restatement of official Catholic doctrine. But they came in the midst of a furious dispute over an editorial published by Italy's bestselling Catholic weekly, Famiglia Cristiana.
Benedict XVI’s remarks came just days after the Vatican distanced itself from Famiglia Cristiana by clarifying that it was not an official organ of the Church. He said: "One of humanity's great achievements is in fact overcoming racism."
The leader of the parliamentary group in the upper house, Maurizio Gasparri, announced he would personally sue the priest who is Famiglia Cristiana's editor while the junior minister with responsibility for family affairs, Carlo Giovanardi, said the magazine was "possessed by ideological malice".
Fr Gianni Baget Bozzo, another member of Berlusconi’s party Forza Italia, told the Italian newspaper La Stampa: "It seems to me very difficult that the words of the Angelus could be referring to the Italian situation, especially after the precision with which the Holy See's spokesman distanced it from the weekly newspaper Famiglia Cristiana. It would be absurd that the Pope would contradict the words of his spokesman."
Famiglia Cristiana has increased its attacks since Berlusconi's party came into power in May.
They have accused the government of racism, xenophobia and of "waging war on the poor".
In the first 100 days the Italian government has cracked down on gypsies, immigrants and the homeless as part of a drive to bring down crime.
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