Pope Breaks Diplomatic Protocol to Bless Barack Obama

APPA NEWS, EDINBURGH-UK - The Holy See, known for its rigid diplomatic protocol, has opened an exception and protocol went straight out of the window as fast as Barack Obama was confirmed as the President elect of the United States.

The Vatican normally sends formal congratulatory blessings and felicitations messages to politicians around the world, but usually only on the day of Inauguration of Office and never before.

Obama’s historic victory however seemed to have moved the Holy See off its usual diplomatic rumblings as the Pope’s spokesman, Fr. Lombardy confirmed today a “private message” of congratulations has been sent off, signed by His Holiness, the contents of which are yet to be known in full [if ever!], but the Vatican confirmed Pope Benedict XVI sent Barack Obama His blessing of God wishing it “will support Obama and the American people so that with all people of good will, “a world of peace, solidarity and justice can be built”.

On Obama’s Inauguration Day - 20th January 2009 - a formal message will be sent, said Fr. Lombardi who took the opportunity to confirm the Holy See is keen to cooperate with the new US Administration, including sensitive issues concerning Christian communities in the Middle East, as well as other troubled areas of the world.

The Vatican approach could have not been more at odds with that of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi,

A friend and close ally of George W. Bush, Berlusconi's patronising message to Obama offers "advice"

who preferred to congratulate Barack Obama, by offering him “some good advice” on the first meeting together somewhere in the very near future. Berlusconi’s message has already sparked some “smiles” and raised eyebrows, amid public criticism of his patronising message to Barack Obama, in the light of his long lasting ally stance with George W. Bush.