Pope, Ex-Communist Premier Meet
Pope John Paul II, an ardent foe of communism, welcomed former Communist leader Massimo D’Alema--Italy’s new prime minister and an admitted nonbeliever--during a pomp-filled visit Friday.
“It was an emotional moment for me,” said D’Alema, adding that John Paul put him at ease.
For many Italians, the pontiff’s meeting with D’Alema, the first former Communist to head a West European government, was a historic moment and a sign of acceptance for Italians loyal to the nation’s “other church”--the Italian Communist Party.
The Vatican has long battled to keep Italy’s Communists out of power, seeing them as threats to religious freedom in this overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nation. In the first years after World War II, membership in the party brought automatic excommunication.
The 30-minute meeting Friday was his first with the pope since D’Alema became premier in October.
Vatican dignitaries and a papal brass band greeted D’Alema when he arrived.
Passing solemnly through one magnificent room after another, D’Alema and his entourage made their way to the pontiff’s private library under the glare of TV cameras.
The meeting riveted the Italian public. RAI, the state-run TV network, provided live coverage.
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