Italian
ROME — Yesterday morning, President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella welcomed His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Quirinal Palace during an official visit. The Holy Father was received with full military honors in the Courtyard of Honor. The meeting was announced by both the Quirinal’s official website and the Holy See Press Office Bulletin.
Following the national anthems of the Vatican and Italy, the President and the Pope proceeded to the Sala del Bronzino for the formal presentation of their respective delegations and an official photograph in front of the national flags. Shortly after, the two leaders held a private meeting in the Studio alla Vetrata, while the Vatican and Italian delegations engaged in bilateral talks in the Sala della Musica.
After the private discussion, Pope Leo XIV and President Mattarella moved to the Sala degli Arazzi di Lille for the traditional exchange of gifts. According to the Quirinal’s statement, the Pope presented the President with a mosaic depicting the Colosseum, crafted by the Vatican Mosaic Studio, as well as a signed and dedicated copy of the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te. President Mattarella, in turn, offered His Holiness a 17th-century etching depicting the sculpture of Saint Leo the Great by Alessandro Algardi, located at the Vatican Basilica, along with an 1827 biography of Saint Rose of Lima.
President Mattarella, speaking at the Quirinal during the visit, recalled the national mourning for Pope Francis, who passed away in April: “Last April, the Italian people came together in mourning for the death of Pope Francis, who left an indelible memory among all—believers and non-believers alike.” He went on to add: “Since the day of Your election, Your Holiness has witnessed the profound affection of the Italian people, who recognize in Your work a commitment to the centrality of the human person, to peace, and to dialogue—values that are shared and foundational, and which also form the core of our Constitution. In this Holy Year dedicated to hope, countless people of goodwill, in Italy and around the world, look to the moral authority of the Holy See and find in Your mission and tireless efforts reasons to keep hope alive.”
Mattarella also expressed gratitude for the Church’s support of the most vulnerable: “The Catholic Church has played—and continues to play—a remarkable role in supporting society’s most fragile members. For this, we are deeply grateful. Every day we see its promotion of vital social initiatives, care for migrants, and commitment to justice and legality.”
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the challenges facing humanity: “It is sadly clear that while there are many signs of hope, numerous situations of profound suffering continue to afflict humanity on a global scale. These demand urgent yet far-sighted responses.” He stressed that peace must be the foremost priority: “There are many wars devastating our world, and as we see the images, read the reports, and meet those who have been painfully affected, the words of my Predecessors resound with urgency and prophecy.” He renewed what he called a “heartfelt appeal to continue working for the restoration of peace in every part of the world, and to more fully cultivate and promote the principles of justice, equity, and cooperation among peoples, which are the indispensable foundations of peace.” He also cited the message of Saint Paul VI on the occasion of the first World Day of Peace on January 1, 1968.
The Pope expressed appreciation for Italy’s efforts in support of those affected by war and poverty: “I am grateful for the Italian Government’s commitment to addressing situations of hardship, especially concerning the children of Gaza, also through collaboration with the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital. These are powerful and effective contributions to building a dignified, peaceful, and prosperous coexistence for all members of the human family.”
Pope Leo XIV concluded by highlighting the key themes of his message: peace, multilateralism, support for families, care for creation, welcoming of migrants, and gratitude for Italy’s collaboration in organizing the upcoming Jubilee.
Photo: R. Siciliani
