Stating that “the Holy See is in the world to recall the reality of Christ, who transformed human destiny from corruption to immortality,” the editor of L‘Osservatore Romano has defended Pope Benedict’s diplomatic engagement with the international community.
“Benedict XVI is frequently reproached for scant attention and scarce sensitivity to international scenarios and problems, but nothing is further from reality,” writes Giovanni Maria Vian.
“Moreover his discourse to the diplomatic corps is yet another proof of it.”
“Of course, the Pope is first and foremost a successor of the Apostle Peter, and the character of the Holy See's presence in the world is primarily and essentially religious,” Vian added.
“Yet it is precisely because the Bishop of Rome and his Church are at the service of the Gospel and of the human family that they follow world events closely.”