For leading me to this item, thanks to Lella and her blog followers
Cardinal Sodano's Easter Sunday message
for the Pope was entirely
the initiative of the cardinals in Rome
Benedict XVI has never asked for demonstrations of support or defense
Letter to the Editor
by Federico Lombardi, S.J.
Translated from
May 10, 2010
Dear Editor,
In the article pubblished by Corriere on May 9 regarding "a confrontation between two cardinals", the writer, Alberto Melloni, develops various considerations and analyses that are, of course, legitimate even if I do not share most of it, but he also makes a completely false statement that I consider it my duty to correct.
Melloni writes: "Von Schoenborn knows that Benedict XVI had asked Cardinal Sodano for a message of support on Easter Sunday which was delivered in St. Peter's Square..."
In the interest of truth, Benedict XVI has asked for absolutely nothing.
The address given by Cardinal Sodano was an initiative of the College of Cardinals, those of them who are in Rome, represented by their Dean. The Pope was informed about it just before the Mass, if only because, being the celebrant, he had to know what was going to happen.
He accepted the greeting with gratitude and simply for what it was meant to be - a message of closeness, affection and solidarity.
Melloni's discourse would remain substantially the same, regardless of this correction. But one must point out that the one direct statement he makes about the Pope seriously changes the picture.
I consider it my duty to make it clear that Benedict XVI, even in difficult times, never begs for nor organizes manifestations of defense and support in order to sustain his spiritual calm nor his authority.
I would add that if there is any one person to my knowledge who - as Melloni rightly wishes at the end of his article - is living through the actual situation of the Church with awareness of its significance, without any concern for loss of power, but in an evangelical spirit of purification, penitence and profound renewal, it is precisely Benedict XVI.
FEDERICO LOMBARDI, S.J.
Director, Vatican Press Office
