“A novelty in continuity, which is a constant in the Church, is the way Monsignor Angelo Becciu, Substitute of the Holy See’s Secretariat of State, described the new weekly edition in Italian of the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. The first issue will be published this coming January 19.
In the presentation to the press, which took place this morning, the Substitute explained that the editorial responsibility of this publication depends directly on the State Secretariat.
The Church knows the right moments to propose novelties, explained Monsignor Becciu to journalists. However, he acknowledged that it is also a challenge, given that to insist on the printed paper “is to go somewhat against the current.” He also pointed out that the aim is for the Church to “open herself to the world and to open herself to non-believers.” The Substitute emphasized that the Church is in the front line when it comes to “creating bridges” and “taking peace where there is war or the risk is run of losing peace.”
Attending the presentation was the Director of L’Osservatore, Giovanni Maria Vian. For his part, he specified that the newspaper retains is essential characteristic, namely, to be an “echo of papal teaching.” He also recalled that Pope Montini said that L’Osservatore Romano is characterized by the “fraternity of the tongue,” that is, “not to wound anyone and to have good relations with all.” In the last years, Vian noted, it has become a place of open debate.
