Berlusconi writes to Pope about 'Christian values'

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi wrote a Christmas letter to the Pope saying Christian values guided his government’s work – the latest evidence that the premier beset by a sex scandal is taking an increasingly pious tone as he eyes Catholic voters.

The letter follows a new Berlusconi mantra, “Love conquers hatred and envy” and his public pardon of the man who recently assaulted him, breaking his nose and two teeth.

Mr Berlusconi’s conservative forces have a solid majority in parliament, but his alleged dalliances with a prostitute strained relations with the Catholic church earlier this year.