From the article to which you linked:
"The rector of La Sapienza, Rome's largest and oldest university, vowed to invite the Pope back. And Italy's major newspapers published the full text of the speech he never gave, thereby assuring it received more coverage than if it had been delivered."
Had the physics faculty, a small number of students and outside agitators not made such an ignorant, intolerant and close-minded scene with potentially violent demonstrations, then very few people, relatively speaking, would have even heard about this speech. Instead, through the work of the Holy Spirit, many have had the opportunity to read another brilliant reflection by one of the world's greatest teachers. One more example of Our Lord bringing good out of evil.
For anyone interested in more background on the situation, Sandro Magister has a detailed column. (Skip over the extract of the speech.)
ROME, Jan 18, 2008 / 02:30 pm (CNA).- The governor of the region of Veneto in northern Italy, Giancarlo Galan, has proposed inviting Pope Benedict XVI to the historic University of Padua, one of the oldest in the world and where Galileo once taught.“It would be a great tribute as part of the Galilean celebrations that are taking place this year,” Galan said. The governor’s proposal has received the support of the mayor of Padua, Flavio Zanonato, who said that the final decision should rest with the rector of the university, Professor Vincenzo Milanesi.
Meanwhile Professor Furio Honsell, rector of the University of Udine—also in northern Italy—has announced that in response to requests by students, he will invite Pope Benedict XVI to give a lecture. “I think it is a positive response by the young people to an unacceptable situation,” Honsell said in reference to the Pope’s canceled speech at La Sapienza University in Rome.
It does make you smile and confirms that God is in charge.
It was an amazing development. Deo gratias.