Letter: Vatican doubts

Sir: I am a practising Roman Catholic. I am shocked to hear that the Vatican has approached the British government to release Pinochet to return to Chile. What right has the Vatican to interfere?

I have for some time wondered about the Vatican. We had the fairly recent story of the Vatican bank, and the involvement of the Mafia. Now we have the support of Pinochet. May be the time has come when the Vatican should be viewed as Jesus saw the temple and its officials.

Has the Vatican considered the effect on those who have suffered under Pinochet? Did they ask Cardinal Hume what he felt before making the approach?

J CONNELL

Sutton St Nicholas

Hereford and

Worcester