Berlu and the Bishops (2)

Boffo resigns. The extraordinary story of Silvio Berlusconi’s relations with the Roman Catholic Church – I was going to say ‘deteriorating relations’ but things seems to have passed that point – has taken a new twist.

Dino Boffo, the editor of l’Avvenire, the newspaper of the Bishops’ Conference, has resigned, citing the attack on him by Bruno Feltri, editor of Il Giornale which is owned by Berlusconi’s brother. In his statement Boffo said that whilst it was true he had been convicted of harassment and paid a fine, it was not he but a former drug addict to whom he had given shelter who had made the harassing calls on his mobile phone. This is really the most astonishingly stupid thing to say: that, accused of homosexuality (a sin in the world he inhabits), he denies any wrongdoing and says there was a bit of rough trade staying with him and using his mobile ‘phone.

Boffo has denied suggestions of a homosexual relationship in this case – although does not appear to deny being a homosexual. It seems the Catholic Church, given its attitude to homosexuality, has some questions to answer here. It is inconceivable that they did not know Boffo was gay, and actively so, and must have known that he had been convicted of harassment. How come he was allowed to stay in his job, particularly making moral accusations against a public figure? Pictures of a smiling Boffo shaking hands with the Pope are only gong to make things worse.

This will look as if it is Round 1 to Berlusconi. But this is the wrong enemy to take on. He must settle matters with the Church soon, it is too influential to fight.