Religion: Recognition for the Holy See

Washington agrees to diplomatic ties with the Vatican

Harry S Truman liked a good scrap, but in 1951 he quickly backed down when American Protestants erupted in fury against his plan to extend diplomatic recognition to the Vatican. Even the President's own Baptist pastor in Washington denounced the idea from the pulpit. So abashed was Truman that he eliminated the post of the President's "personal representative" to the Holy See.

Now the once impossible step is about to be taken. Last week a highly placed source told TIME Rome Bureau Chief Wilton Wynn that the U.S. and the Vatican have agreed in principle...

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