VATICAN - Holy See Press Office Statement on the cause for the beatification of Pius XII

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On 19 June the Holy See Press Office released the following statement of Father Federico Lombardi, S.J. : “Concerning statements reported by news agencies with regard to the cause for the Beatification of Pope Pius XII, the director of the Holy See Press Office affirms that the signing of decrees regarding causes of beatification is the exclusive competence of the Pope, who must be completely free to make his own assessments and decisions. If the Pope considers that examination and reflection on the cause of Pius XII should be prolonged, his position is to be respected without interference or unjustified and inopportune interventions.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/6/2009; righe 8, parole 117)