ROME (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI’s Christmas message to Italians is being read as a near-endorsement of another term for Premier Mario Monti.

Pro-Vatican centrists are pressing Monti to run. Monti, an economist appointed in 2011 to save Italy from financial crisis, is a practicing Catholic whose Cabinet includes a minister closely linked to the Vatican. Monti says he'd serve again if asked by political forces backing his austerity agenda.

Benedict’s greeting to Italians Tuesday included a wish that they reflect on a ‘‘hierarchy of values’’ when making important choices.

The ANSA news agency says that is ‘‘very close’’ to a Monti endorsement for February’s elections. Vatican pronouncements wield influence in Italian politics