SILVIO Berlusconi's Government has engaged in a vigorous damage-limitation exercise after Pope Benedict appeared to lend his moral authority to concern that Italy was in danger of returning to fascism under the tycoon's hardline right-wing leadership. In his Sunday address, the pontiff expressed concern at "recent examples of racism" and reminded Catholics it was their duty to steer others in society away from "racism, intolerance and exclusion (of others)".
The Pope's remarks came amid a furious dispute over an editorial published by Catholic weekly Famiglia Cristiana that condemned recent government moves against immigrants and Roma.
It said it was to be hoped fascism was not "resurfacing in our country under another guise".
The Pope's remarks were seen as a signal the Vatican was not distancing itself from Famiglia Cristiana's stance.
The Pope said: "One of humanity's great conquests is the overcoming of racism. Unfortunately, there are new … examples of this in various countries."
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