_WORLD WATCH______________________________
____________________ ITALY ________________

A “message” bomb?
Security concerns heightened
The explosion of a small bomb left many residents of Rome jittery on February 26, although there were no casualties.

The early-morning explosion outside the Italian interior ministry damaged several cars, but no one was injured. Interior Minister Claudio Scajola said that the bomb was apparently designed to convey a dramatic effect, rather than to harm individuals. It was, he observed, “carried out against the very symbol representing the state’s security.”

The city of Rome has been tightening security procedures after the discovery of an apparent plan to bomb the US embassy there. Security has been a paramount issue throughout the city since last September 11; several published reports have suggested that Rome, or the Vatican, could be a terrorist target.

Lay involvement
Defining the archbishop's role
Catholics in Milan are hoping to have a voice in the selection of their next archbishop, who will succeed the retiring Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini.

Cardinal Martini, who celebrated his 75th birthday on February 15, has submitted his resignation to Pope John Paul II. The cardinal has also indicated that he hopes the resignation will be promptly accepted, so he can spend his remaining days in study and prayer in Jerusalem. Informed sources at the Vatican believe that this wish will be granted.

At their March meetings, the presbyteral council of Milan (drawn from the city’s priests) and the pastoral council (composed of lay leaders) indicated that they would like to submit a “profile” of the sort of prelate who should become the Archbishop of Milan. Cardinal Martini has given his encouragement to their efforts.

The faithful of Milan elected their own bishop on one previous occasion, more than 1,600 years ago. In 374, the people chose a local government official named Ambrose. (According to tradition, that choice was inspired by a young child who shouted: “Ambrose, bishop!”) The selection was a brilliant one: St. Ambrose became a Doctor of the Church, and patron saint of Milan.

In recent weeks, Italian media speculation has centered on three possible successors to Cardinal Martini: Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi of Genoa; Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; and Bishop Renato Corti, the current vicar general of the Milan archdiocese. The selection is an extremely important one. In addition to its illustrious history, Milan ranks as the largest archdiocese in Europe.

No to gambling
“Schizophrenic” public policy
Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi of Genoa has taken a strong position against gambling, lotteries, and games of chance.

Speaking at a convention on the topic of gambling, organized by his own archdiocese, the Genoa prelate said the opposition to games of chance was an obvious matter of common sense, and therefore should be recognized as a universal moral law. He argued that government and society at large should undertake a drive to stop gambling.

“Man is not made for games; games are made for man,” Cardinal Tettamanzi said. He acknowledged that games can offer a source of relaxation and enjoyment which are “necessary and sometimes essential.” But he argued that “when the game is motivated by profit,” the results can “dominate” individuals, “depriving them of their freedom to act and chaining them in servitude.” He also observed that gambling discourages honest work.

The cardinal said that society takes “a contradictory and schizophrenic position” when public expenses are subsidized by lotteries. He said the same contradictory attitude is on display when some forms of gambling are prohibited, but others—such as government-run lotteries and church-run game nights—receive official sanction and even encouragement.

Priest removed
Officiated at homosexual unions
An Italian priest had his faculties removed and was expelled from his diocese after he “married” dozens of homosexual couples and divorcees who had not received annulments, according to diocesan officials.

Father Franco Barbero was well known for his public dissent from Church teachings, but when he officiated at the “marriage” of a homosexual couple, the local bishop said he had to take action. “His moral stance and the celebration of pseudo-marriages among homosexual people are, basically, in serious contrast to the doctrine of the Catholic Church,” Bishop Piergiorgio Debernardi of Pinerolo said.

A subsequent statement from the diocese outlined the action taken against Barbero. “Franco Barbero . . . is no longer in communion with the Church and the ecclesiastical community . . . he will no longer exercise any recognized pastoral ministry.”