Pope calls for 'moral virtues' in Italy

Pope Benedict XVI called on Thursday for “a solid platform of moral virtues” in Italy, following recent sex scandals involving Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi that have incensed the church.

He said the Catholic Church should work with the state in every aspect of Italian society to help ease “social and economic uncertainty”.

“The ecclesiastic community considers its precise mandate to address people in all contexts: culture, work, services and entertainment,” the pope said.

Speaking at a meeting with Interior Minister Roberto Maroni and prefects from around Italy, Benedict emphasised the importance of moral values as well as the need to respond to the fallout of the current financial crisis.

Benedict last month called for an “ethical renaissance” in Italy and senior Italian cardinal Angelo Bagnasco condemned politicians for their lack of dignity—a scathing comment seen as a direct reference to Berlusconi.—AFP