Mgr Angelo Mercati and Maria Valtorta
"I was a professor of dogmatic theology for eighteen years, and I must recognize that this is a perfectly canonical work, in every respect. I was astonished. I do not know what to say. For many years I have devoted myself solely to history and I remain deeply impressed by the multitude of news, details, etc. throughout the volume you gave me. I have now formed a clear idea of the work. It is not necessary for me to read further. I have had the occasion to study the writings of Mary of Ágreda and Anne Catherine Emmerich. The work you presented to me belongs to the category of private revelations. The work should be printed with the imprimatur, accompanied by a declaration stating that the Church does not intend to pronounce (judgment), but that it only permits the printing because it contains nothing objectionable.[1]"
He intervenes for the recognition of the work[edit | edit source]
He met Father Corrado Berti in February 1950, then shortly after, Mgr Ugo Emilio Lattanzi who "has been studying the work for over a year and guarantees its orthodoxy," to whom he suggested going to the pope and explaining the situation. This was a conflictual period with the Holy Office, which had tried to suppress the work a year earlier. Mgr Lattanzi, accompanied by Father Berti, then went to see Mgr Callori de Vignale[2], who, acting as "Master of the Chamber (Camerlengo) of His Holiness," was in charge of papal audiences. An appointment was set for "March 2 or 3," but it did not take place.[1]
At the end of that month occurred the episode of "Luciana" (Luigina Sinapi) coming to the Holy Office, demanding in the name of Jesus a change in their attitude toward the work of Maria Valtorta. She had access to the Holy Father, to whom she revealed what was being plotted behind his back. Maria Valtorta hoped this would move Mgr Callori de Vignale[3]. She was mistaken: Mgr Carinci requested another audience on May 16, 1950; the Camerlengo replied that the pope had already declined the request but would renew it. There was no follow-up.[4].