Sir, - Around July 20th I happened to listen to a conversation on RTE Radio's Liveline programme. A self-confessed homosexual was saying that he had been deeply hurt, and even more so had his mother, because of the Pope's reaction to the homosexuals' march in Rome.
The caller was obviously quoting what had been reported by the press and said that the Pope had expressed his "bitterness". The minute I heard this word I knew, being Italian myself, that more than likely it was a case of misinterpretation of the Italian word amarezza, which can have two different meanings: "bitterness - especially when referring to fruit and drinks; and "sadness".
The Apostolic Nunciature supplied me with the original text of the Pope's speech and the official translation, which confirmed what I had thought. These I delivered to RTE, together with a letter addressed to Terry Garvan, who lately has been conducting Liveline. Unfortunately, despite my repeated appeals, RTE did not see fit to correct this misinterpretation.
In my letter I pointed out that, far from expressing bitterness, the Pope's words reflected compassion and sensitivity and furthermore deplored unjust discrimination against homosexuals.
Personally, I consider that it is never too late to do the right thing and that it would be correct and opportune to clarify this matter vis-a-vis the young homosexual who raised this question, and possibly umpteen others like him.
I would ask you, therefore, to publish this letter with a view to highlighting the truth about the whole issue as well as respecting fairness and justice. - Yours, etc.,
Fausta Ryan, Merrion Village, Dublin 4.