Days Before Conclave, Conservative Catholics Take the Stage in Rome - The New York Times


AI Summary Hide AI Generated Summary

Key Players and Setting

The event took place at the Palazzo Brancaccio in Rome, bringing together European nobles, politicians, and American Catholic power brokers. Notable attendees included Brian Burch, President Trump's nominee for ambassador to the Holy See, and Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, known for her friendship with Justice Samuel Alito.

Discussion Points

A central theme was the 'urgency of protecting the family,' referencing concerns over low birthrates and advocating for pronatalist policies. Antonio Giordano, an Italian parliament member, emphasized the need for collective action to combat demographic decline.

Atmosphere and Significance

The lavish setting, featuring a grand hall of mirrors and gilded ballroom, underscored the opulence and influence of the attendees. The event's timing, just days before a conclave, highlights the potential impact of conservative voices within the Catholic Church.

Sign in to unlock more AI features Sign in with Google

The European nobles and politicians arrived in the gardens of Palazzo Brancaccio in gowns and tuxedos, ready for aperitivi with the Catholic power brokers and pilgrims from America.

Spritzes by the grand fountain progressed to entrees inside the palace, beef cheek cooked at a low temperature and served on orange potato velouté.

Brian Burch, President Trump’s nominee to be ambassador to the Holy See, dined at a head table next to Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, the German aristocrat who befriended Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., and alongside current and former members of hard-right European political parties. One of them, Antonio Giordano, a member of the Italian Parliament in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, welcomed the several hundred guests to Rome, and discussed their shared “urgency of protecting the family.”

“Only together we can effectively conquer the demographic winter,” he said, nodding to low birthrates and a push for pronatalist policies.

After dessert, the guests followed the sound of live music up a marble staircase into salons lined with tapestries and lit with chandeliers. Eyes popped at the vast hall of mirrors, designed in tribute to Versailles. A gilded ballroom had walls stretching up 45 feet.

Was this article displayed correctly? Not happy with what you see?

Tabs Reminder: Tabs piling up in your browser? Set a reminder for them, close them and get notified at the right time.

Try our Chrome extension today!


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device