pope 'renounces' Easter politicians mass

(ANSA) - Vatican City February 12 - Pope Francis has decided not to hold an Easter Mass for Italian parliamentarians this year despite the massive turn-out for the service by the pontiff last year, a senior clergyman said Thursday.
    More than 500 MPs and Senators flocked to St. Peter's Basilica on March 27 last year even though they had to be present by 6 a.m. to attend the Mass. But this year Francis has "renounced" holding a repeat service, Monsignor Lorenzo Leussi, chaplain at the Montecitorio lower house building told ANSA.
    No reason for not holding the Mass for the MPs was given but after last year's service some politicians who attended moaned about what they considered the "excessive severity" the pope displayed in his homily in which he lashed out at the "ruling class" who had "distanced themselves from the people" and "shut themselves up in their own group, party and internal struggles".
    Francis also lambasted "the corrupt" for whom "there is no salvation".
    During his homily Francis spoke also of "men with good manners but bad habits" - a phrase that Italian President Sergio Mattarella cited in his inaugural speech to parliament. http://popefrancisnewsapp.com/