Rome, Italy, Jan 24, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Cardinal Camillo Ruini said the Catholic Church would not take the side of any particular party during Italy’s upcoming elections but it would express its views on such hot-button debates as marriage and other life issues.
The cardinal said the Italian Church has a "duty" to share with voters and future legislators the "elementary truths that regard our common humanity," reported ANSA. Cardinal Ruini is the Pope's vicar for Rome and the head of the Italian bishops' conference.
Italian politicians have accused the Church of interference lately, in particular after the Pope made known his feelings on these topics and Cardinal Ruini expressed opposition to a referendum on reproductive technologies last year.
According to ANSA, the cardinal has made a few calls to politicians, urging a more efficient justice system, measures to develop the poorer south and greater self-sufficiency in the field of energy.