Vatican backs plan to name Rome Square after Martin Luther

The Vatican has reportedly given its seal of approval to a square in Rome being named after Martin Luther.
A German Catholic monk, Luther was a central figure of the Protestant Reformation and was excommunicated in 1521
But the Vatican has now approved plans for Oppian Hill, a park area overlooking the Colosseum, to be named Piazza Martin Lutero, in memory of Luther’s achievements.
The journey to get approval for the square has taken six years, after a request from the Seventh-day-Adventists, a Protestant denomination, Italian daily La Repubblica said.

Original plans suggested inaugurating the square in time for the 500th anniversary of Luther’s historic trip to Rome.
But City officials were not able to discuss why there was a holdup in naming the square, or the process behind it.
The Vatican has been positive about the move.
“It’s a decision taken by Rome city hall which is favourable to Catholics in that it’s in line with the path of dialogue started with the ecumenical council,” said Fr Ciro Benedettini, deputy director of the Vatican press office, talking about a gathering of churchmen to rule on faith matters.
The move is in sharp contrast from views held by Luther around the time of his visit, when it was said he repeated: “If there is a hell, Rome is built over it.”
Despite his comments in 2013 Lutherans and the Catholic Church started a dialogue. The two churches signed a document marking the discussions.

Catholic Herald