Quote: “The Holy See doesn’t invite leaders to Mass,” said papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Vals. But he noted that leftist stalwarts such as Cuban leader Fidel Castro and former Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega have attended papal masses.
Benedict XVI addresses issue of gay marriage… The Vatican seemed irritated that Zapatero, a Socialist, did not plan to attend a papal Mass on Sunday.
VALENCIA, Spain – Pope Benedict XVI stressed family values during a visit Saturday to Spain, where church influence has waned and the government has angered the Vatican with its liberal take on issues including gay marriage.The pope, who was in the Mediterranean city of Valencia for an international gathering on family values, defended the Vatican’s vision of marriage as a union of man and woman.“The family is a unique institution in God’s plan, and the church cannot fail to proclaim and promote its fundamental importance,” he said in arrival remarks.
