Atheist Shows Faith In Pope's Stance

[Posted by reader_iam]

Oriana Fallaci bequeaths notes related to her journalism as well as most of her books to Pontifical Lateranense University in Rome.

In one of her final interviews, 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," Fisichella said during a ceremony at the university Saturday to announce the gift of the books.
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A few weeks before her death, Fallaci had some 20 boxes of books sent to the university, Fisichella later told The Associated Press. Books are still awaiting shipment from her homes in New York and Tuscany, he said, as well as her notes as a journalist.

Fisichella said "the pope has said we must live in the world as if God existed and she (Fallaci) took up the challenge."

Surprised or not surprised by Fallaci's choice? Strange bedfellows or an understandable reaching across the God Gap against an existential threat?