Legacy MattersDear readers of this blog know that I have a profound respect and deep fondness for Oriana Fallaci.
My Personal Day of Rage for the Pope
Now comes news that the Fallaci, the self-described atheist, has left most of her books and notes to the Pontifical 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.