Pope says Catholic church is not political

VATICAN CITY, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI says the Catholic church is not political but has a "deep interest" in "the good of the political community."

In a long and wide-ranging speech to a convention of the Italian bishops' conference in Verona, the pope said the church's goal in Italy was "to oppose the advance of a godless culture."

In a country often accused of political interference, the pope said Italy has two central objectives -- to guide people to recognize what is right and just and help them learn to put the needs of justice before those of personal interest.

In an apparent reference to an ongoing debate in Italy over gay marriage, he said Catholics should oppose "weak and deviant" unions, ANSA reported.