Sorry for the belated posts following a highly-publicized incident that took place Sunday. All day yesterday, I was looking for any reaction from the Vatican and was rather surprised that there wasn't any... And today, finally, a story from Apcom and from CNA, both quoting a telegram from Cardinal Bertone in the name of the Pope, and a statement from Fr. Lombardi - neither text of which was posted in the Vatican's online bulletins.
Pope wishes Berlusconi well
after 'assault' in Milan
ROME, Dec. 15 (Translated from Apcom) - Benedict XVI sent his best wishes for the 'quick recovery' and expressed his 'paternal nearness' in a telegram to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who is in a Milan hospital for treatment of serious injuries sustained Sunday when a man hit him in the face with a marble replica of the Milan Cathedral.
The telegram was signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State.
Also expressing his sympathy with Berlusconi was Vatican press director Fr. Federico Lombardi, who said: "To Council President Berlusconi, who was so irresponsibly attacked, we express our dutiful solidarity".
Meanwhile, the political world in Italy remained 'in shock' over the incident, which happened soon after Berlusconi had delivered a speech and was greeting wellwishers who surrounded him.
News agencies reported that the aggressor, Massimo Tartaglia, 42, had previously expressed his 'hatred; of Berlusconi. Other news reports claim that he is a mentally disturbed patient.
The Pope and Italian bishops
denounce attack on Berlusconi
Vatican City, Dec 15, 2009 (CNA)- Pope Benedict XVI and the Bishops’ Conference of Italy have spoken out against the assault of the Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, who was struck in the face Sunday following a rally in Milan. Italy's leader suffered two broken teeth, a minor nose fracture and cuts on his face following the attack.
According to the BBC, a man hit Berlusconi in the face with a souvenir replica of the city's cathedral.
In a telegram sent to Berlusconi signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Holy Father expressed his “paternal closeness” and hopes for a “quick recovery.”
The Italian bishops said the attack was “an episode of singular and abominable gravity. As we express our sincere closeness to Minister Berlusconi, we hope for a more serene and respectful cultural climate for our country so that the good of everyone will be realized in society and in political life.”
The director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, said the attack was “a very grave and worrisome act that manifests the real risk of violence when words are translated into actions.
“All violence must be firmly condemned immediately by all political parties and all levels of society.”
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 16/12/2009 03:58]