Arnold Cassola's article (August 12) is not so sensational as its title. I agree with some of his comments but my respect for Silvio Berlusconi and his family make me differ on some parts.

I do not agree that "Italian society's tacit acceptance of such behaviour has become more openly acknowledged in recent years, thanks perhaps to Mr Berlusconi and his vast media holdings".

In many ways, Italian society has become more tolerant, permissive and open, though the Catholic media and opinion voiced their criticism, and to some extent condemnation, of the behaviour of public figures who govern the country. Prof. Cassola rightly, besides Mr Berlusconi, mentioned some other politicians who pay only lip-service to Christian ethics. A priest wrote in the Catholic paper Avvenire that the bishops were silent. The facts show that this was unfair criticism, for even Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of the Italian bishops, in a very open way, though with diplomatic language, reprimanded public personalities who in their private lives give scandal. Other bishops made generic comments about the behaviour of political leaders.

Gianni Letta, Mr Berlusconi's guardian angel, organised a meeting between the PM and Camillo Ruini, former president of the bishop's conference, to have an open and frank discussion on the issue.

The illustrated weekly Famiglia Cristiana, through its editor Don Antonio Sciortino, was the most vociferous and openly criticised the Italian premier.

Famiglia Cristiana is in the habit of criticising Mr Berlusconi's government, so much so that Fr Ferdinando Lombardi SJ, the Vatican spokesman, expressed the opinion that the magazine is not a Vatican or Church organ.

The Avvenire, which belongs to the Catholic bishops, published several editorials and articles against the Premier, but also denounced that the Italian media and politicians "feasted" on the incident. Mr Berlusconi's defence was that this was part of a "complotto" on the part of the left wing parties, media and politicians on the eve of the European elections. Even the foreign media, English, French, Spanish and American, have not spared Italy's prime minister, who has proved himself a dynamic leader.

One hopes that all this chaos will change Mr Berlusconi.