Italy's Monti to Head Up New Party Coalition

Made up of centrists and pro-Vatican elements

Italian Premier Mario Monti announced Friday he is heading a new campaign coalition made of up centrists, business leaders and pro-Vatican forces backing his "ethical" vision of politics, paving the way for him to secure a second term if his alliance wins big in February parliamentary elections.

After a four-hour huddle with supporters, Monti stopped short of saying he is running as a candidate for the premiership but said the ballot list would carry the banner "Monti Agenda for Italy."