Pope Benedict receives Italian prefects

Pope Benedict XVI received the prefects of Italy today in a special audience at the Vatican. In Italy, a prefect is the representative of the State within one of the country’s 110 provinces – which are administrative districts larger than municipalities but smaller than regions.

Prefects play a regulatory role between the municipalities and other local governments. They also have political responsibility for the enforcement of laws when public safety is threatened. The office existed in some parts of Italy before the Italian unification and can trace its modern origin to the Napoleonic era.

In his remarks on Friday in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI praised Italy’s prefects for the dedication and professionalism with which they carry out their duties, and noting that the prefects’ sensitive institutional role is also as a bastion for the most vulnerable – a role that is made ​​even more complex and onerous in what the Holy Father described as, “circumstances of social and economic uncertainty.”

“Do not be discouraged by the difficulties and misunderstandings,” said Pope Benedict, “but always be ready to deal with questions submitted to you with a great sense of duty and prudence, never failing in your duty to the truth and the courage to defend the highest goods.” The gathering of the prefects was taking place in the context of the 150^th anniversary of Italian unification – a fact the Holy Father recalled in his remarks as well, noting that the Church works closely with other institutions in Italy to foster the healthy growth of culture and society, building a solid platform of moral virtues on which to build a life that is worthy of the human person. Listen