Fallaci bequeaths books and notes to Pope; will be known as "Oriana Fallaci Archives"
The Washington TimesAtheist journalist gifts pontifical school in will
By Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press
October 22, 2006
ROME -- An Italian journalist and self-described atheist who died last month has left most of her books and notes to a pontifical university in Rome because of her admiration for Pope Benedict XVI.
Oriana Fallaci had described the pontiff as an ally in her campaign to rally Christians in Europe against what she saw as a Muslim crusade against the West.
As she battled breast cancer last year, she had a private audience with Benedict, who was elected only a few months earlier, at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
In one of her final interviews, Miss Fallaci told the Wall Street Journal: "I am an atheist, and if an atheist and a pope think the same things, there must be something true."
Benedict was surprised by the gift of the books, which dated back as far as the 17th century and included volumes about the formation of modern-day Italy, American history, philosophy and theology, said Monsignor Rino Fisichella, rector of the Pontifical Lateranense University in Rome.
"The veneration that she had for you, Holy Father, persuaded her to make this donation, which will be known as the Oriana Fallaci Archives," Monsignor Fisichella said during a ceremony at the university yesterday to announce the gift.
Benedict greeted Miss Fallaci's nephew and his family during the ceremony, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. He then spoke briefly about the search for truth in science and academia.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 5:33 PM
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