TV AND WEB RESTRICTIONS~**NONE*~<br/> <br />As Pope Benedict thanked members of the Vatican inner-circle also known as the 'curia' for their support, the Catholic Church went on the attack --- accusing the Italian media of spreading "false and damaging" reports.<br/> <br />Vatican Spokesperson Father Tom Rosica<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Vatican Spokesperson Father Tom Rosica saying:<br/> <br />"A widespread distribution of often unverified and unverifiable or completely false news stories that cause serious damage to persons and institutions."<br/> <br />Rostica says several national newspapers have made a concerted effort to portray the predominantly Italian curia as a corrupt body --- in hopes of influencing Cardinals to choose an outsider to head the church.<br/> <br />Pope Benedict is due to vacate his post next week and if things go as planned, cardinals could begin the process of electing a new pope as soon as mid-March.
