To the editor:
The Obama Administration plans to close the separate free-standing Embassy Building which houses the U.S. Mission to the Vatican and move its functions to the Italian Embassy in Rome. This appears to be an obvious slap at the Catholic Church and the Pope. The Administration’s lame excuse is a concern for security.
The Vatican has often played a critical role in world affairs, as evidenced by Pope John Paul II’s pivotal role in the demise of European Communism in protecting human rights. More than 175 countries are accredited at the Vatican Embassy. Now, it appears as if our diplomatic relationships with the Holy See are merely a step child of U.S. Italian relations. This action disregards the role of the Pope to broker discussions on international issues of human rights. It shows a complete lack of our government’s respect for papal influence.
Is there any doubt that the occupant of the White House has no religious convictions? Do you ever hear him mention God in a speech? His action is indeed tragic but comes as no surprise. After all, one of his first acts as President was to remove Winston Churchill’s portrait from the White House.
James R. Boehler
Rochester
