"Meloni is a competent leader, while Berlusconi Jr. lacks his father's political prowess"
Monsignor Camillo Ruini, a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has been a key player in Italian and international politics for many years. Serving as plenipotentiary for Italy of Karol Wojtyla and vicar of Rome, Ruini has been instrumental in shaping the Church's stance on various issues.
In recent times, Ruini has been referring to the conflict in Gaza, which escalated after a massacre carried out by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2024. This event has triggered a broader and ongoing political and military crisis between Israel and Palestinian groups, with widespread humanitarian consequences such as starvation in Gaza. Ruini's analysis highlights a political deadlock and the need for Israel to develop a project for the Palestinian people that excludes Hamas, suggesting a potential role for the Vatican in facilitating a resolution.
Ruini's involvement in politics extends beyond the Middle East. He has had a particularly intense and frequent relationship with Silvio Berlusconi, a former Italian Prime Minister. In the domestic arena, Ruini has expressed concern over the end-of-life law, fearing the potential legitimization of euthanasia.
The current Pope, Pope XIV, has also expressed concern over the situation in Gaza, calling it unimaginable and a defeat for everyone. His predecessor, Joseph Ratzinger, who served as Pope during a later period, had a brilliant intelligence and profound doctrine but a poor aptitude for governing.
The long pontificate of John Paul II was monumental, finding a world divided by the Berlin Wall and leaving it in full globalization. His legacy continues to influence the Church, with the new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, seen as a "mender" needed after the long pontificate of John Paul II and the shorter one of Joseph Ratzinger.
Ruini has always been loyal and respectful to every pope, but expressed concerns about the good of the Church during Pope Francis' pontificate. He played a significant role in presenting "four non-negotiable conditions for the good government of the Church" during the pre-conclave.
In Italy, there has been a shift towards a certain stability, with parties like Fratelli d'Italia maintaining a consistent level of support. This stability is praised by Ruini, who has also commended current Italian political figure, Giorgia Meloni, for her capabilities and responsible collaborators.
Ruini does not see the prospect of Pier Silvio entering politics. However, he trusts that something can be done for peace, citing the young people of Tor Vergata as a push. Tor Vergata holds a special place in Ruini's heart, as it was the site of the World Youth Day (WYD), an invention of Karol Wojtyla, which was held there 25 years ago, with a wave of overwhelming enthusiasm and participation from a generation.
Ruini also sees hope in the revival of faith among young people in secular France as an example of something moving in Italy. Despite the challenges faced by the Church and the world, Ruini remains optimistic about the future and the potential for peace.
However, challenges remain. Ruini's calls for dialogue between enemies, such as with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have been met with objections. Vladimir Putin's escalating Soviet-style propaganda has caused concern, and Pope XIV has offered the Vatican as a dialogue ground for enemies to look each other in the eye.
In the midst of these conflicts, Ruini's wisdom and experience continue to guide the Church and inspire hope for a peaceful resolution. His dedication to the Church and his commitment to peace make him a crucial figure in the contemporary world.
- Monsignor Ruini, in his role as a keen observer of policy-and-legislation, has voiced concerns over the end-of-life law in Italy, fearing its potential legitimization of euthanasia.
- Despite the ongoing political and military crisis in the Middle East, such as the one in Gaza, Ruini's analysis highlights an average of political deadlock and the need for Israel to develop a project for the Palestinian people that excludes Hamas, suggesting a potential role for the Vatican in facilitating a resolution.
