They're referring to the government of the Republic of Italy - Italy is neither governed by the Vatican nor is the Vatican governed by Italy.
The clerics they are referring to are two Italian Muslim imams who proffered their service to the Italian government as negotiators.
Again, your prejudice and ignorance have inspired you to leap to unjustified conclusions.
And it should be no surprise if it turns out that way.
One could also post pictures of Yasser Arafat cozying up to Israeli politicians as well. Which, by your sterling logic, would mean that those Israeli leaders also sympathized with Yasser Arafat.
In reality, of course, both the Pope and Israeli politicians have met with him in order to try to extract meaningful promises of peace - not because they thought he was a wonderful person.
I really don't care about my reputation or your thoughts of me. Thanks.
I still feel it incumbent upon me out of courtesy to let you know that you continue to embarass yourself.
The Vatican is a government unto itself.
Seen this?
http://www.cathnews.com/news/409/128.php
Not saying it is a source of the release, but it raises questions, IMO. It looks like the Vatican (not Italy) was trying to find a way to get them out. And they have not done this for other hostages. It appears they work separate from any "Italian Govt".
Time will tell, someday we will know who secured the financial release for them. Sure it may be speculation on my part, but you can't prove it isn't a possibility, can you?