Scandal-weary Pope to defend family values

ITALY: Pope Benedict XVI leaves a scandal-hit Vatican on Friday for the World Meeting of Families in Milan, where he will argue that the traditional family is the key to galvanising a flagging Church.

The pontiff will have a chance to shake off rumours of a power struggle at the heart of the Holy See and meet with young believers, as the Church battles the West's growing openness to unconventional family structures, homosexuality and divorce. One million people are expected to attend a final mass to wind up the event Sunday, which will take place at Bresso airport near Italy's economic capital.

Milan is not only the largest diocese in Europe, it is also home to Cardinal Angelo Scola -- tipped by many as a possible successor to the pope before the leak of hundreds of secret papal documents threw the Church hierarchy into disarray.

The “Vatileaks” scandal, which has sparked rumours that a group of rebel cardinals may be jockeying to get one of their own to the papacy, resulted last week in the arrest of Pope Benedict's personal butler. There are concerns that the ordeal may have taken a heavy toll on the elderly pontiff.

Speaking to the masses about family life will give the pontiff a chance to divert attention from the scandal, which some believe has made him appear weak and powerless to stop the Church imploding.

The 85-year-old, who appeared drawn and tired when he spoke this week of the sorrow the scandal has caused him, faces a hectic schedule in Milan.

From a concert at the prestigious Scala opera house, to a meeting with young pilgrims in the San Siro football stadium and a celebration with 300,000 faithful, Benedict will have little time to rest before Sunday's big mass. AFP