Pope Receives Italian President

February 23, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI received Giorgio Napolitano, President of Italy, on Saturday morning in the Vatican. The meeting was particularly intense and friendly, given the great mutual respect and the long familiarity they share, revealed a communique from the Vatican.
During the talks, President Napolitano expressed the gratitude of the Italian people towards the Pope. He also highlighted the many key moments and the lofty religious and moral teaching of the Pope. The President assured the Pope of the affection of the Italian people which will continue to accompany him in the coming years.
The Pope on his part thanked the President for their friendship. The Pontiff also extended his best wishes for the good of Italy, especially in these days and in this time of difficult choices, the communique added.