Rome, Nov 15: For the first time, the primate of the Roman Catholic church has addressed Italy's parliament, a visit laden with historical meaning for the Vatican's relations with Italy. It's only just down the road but it's the first time in over 130 years that the head of Roman Catholic church has visited Italy's parliament. Pope John Paul II calls Italy his second home, but historical relations between the Vatican and state have not always been so cordial. The unification of Italy in 1860 was followed by the forced closure of the Pope's vast estates and the political power that went with them. And it was only in 1929 that Italy and the Vatican recognised each other as sovereign entities.


The Pontiff used the landmark occasion to talk about how international terrorism has distorted the great religions and the continued conflict in the Middle East.

Bureau Report