Posted on 11/21/2013 3:04:19 AM PST by markomalley
Steps are reportedly being taken to relocate the U.S. embassy to the Holy See onto the grounds of the American embassy to Italy.
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Although no official decision has been announced, the move appears likely and is being justified on grounds of enhanced security.
Previous American ambassadors to the Holy See contacted by the National Catholic Reporter have said they are opposed to the plans.
Ambassador James Nicholson, who served as ambassador during the presidency of George W. Bush, said the proposed relocation would be a “massive downgrade” that would turn the embassy into “a stepchild of the embassy to Italy.”
Current U.S. Ambassador Ken Hackett said he saw “no diminishing in the importance of the relationship at all.”
“The relationship between the Vatican and the U.S. government hasn't been better than it is right now in quite a while," he said, especially under Pope Francis.
Israel, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are the only other nations to have both embassies to the Holy See and to Italy on the same compound.
Although the Vatican understands the security concerns and will not protest the U.S. embassy's move, it is usually reluctant to allow such a relocation.
Under the 1929 Lateran Treaty between Italy and Vatican City, the Vatican has sovereign status and is entitled to foreign missions separate from Italy. The Vatican has closely guarded that sovereignty after losing the papal states to Italy at the end of the 19th century.
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On the NET: http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/vatican-embassy-move-draws-fire-former-us-envoys
Done with the full knowledge and consent from over 50% of Catholics in the US.
Obama repeatedly disrespects all aspects of the Judeo-Christian faith, and still some people don’t see him for what he is.
“The relationship between the Vatican and the U.S. government hasn’t been better than it is right now in quite a while,” he said, especially under Pope Francis.”
since obama and the entire democrat abortion party are such defenders of life and religious freedom
sarc
It’s that whole ‘under God’ thing that just rubs him the wrong way.
Another battle in the war against Christianity.
Whether this is justified or not, we have to look at precedent to decide...
Where did the Soviet Union have their embassy to the Vatican? What about Cuba? North Korea? China?
Poorly written.
US Embassy in Vatican to be removed. US Vatican ambassador reduced to office within US Rome Embassy grounds.
Guess that’ll teach’em to be tellin’ Pelosi and the ilk they can’t receive communion...
Hmmmm...
Iran deal, Russia happy, Israel unhappy, and we’re leaving the Holy See?
Didn’t the Vatican and Israel just have improved diplomatic relations this year?
Steps are reportedly being taken to relocate the U.S. embassy to the Holy See onto the grounds of the American embassy to Italy.Thanks markomalley.
So the only embassy in the world we’re closing for security reasons is in the Vatican? okay.....
It’s a real slap in the face to Catholics ...
Aren’t most Catholics democrats?
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