Pope Benedict XVI visited the offices of the Vatian newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano,
on Tuesday, to mark its 150th anniversary. Founded in July, 1861, as a
journal presenting the case for the Papal states in the wake of the proclamation of
the kingdom of Italy through the whole Italian peninsula, l’Osservatore Romano today
is tasked with presenting the genuine face of the Church, spreading the teachings
of the Pope, informing about his activities and those of the Roman Curia, and reporting
on Catholic life in the world.
In remarks to the editors, journalists, staff
and direction of the newspaper Tuesday, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of how the publication
helps the faithful to consider matters touching the common weal in the light of the
Word of Christ and the Magisterium of the Church, with constant attention to the signs
of the times.
Departing from his prepared remarks, Pope Benedict said, “L’Osservatore
does not remain on the surface of events, but goes to the roots below the surface,
shows us the cultural roots, the basis of things.” The Pope went on to say that for
him, “l’Osservatore is not just a newspaper, but also a cultural review,” adding
that he admires the way that, each and every day, “[the staff of the Vatican newspaper]
is able to give us great contributions...to get at the heart of the matter – to help
all of us better understand ourselves and the world in which we live".
l’Osservatore
Romano is published daily in Italian and weekly in 8 other languages, including English.
Most recently, the paper has added a weekly Malayalam edition for India.
The
paper also has an online edition and its best offerings can be found through the new
integrated Vatican information portal, www.news.va.