Relations between Italy and Holy See unique

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday met with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in the Quirinale Palace. The official residence of the Italian head of state was once the residence of the Popes, until the city of Rome was taken by the forces of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870. Relations between the Italian State and the Holy See have improved since that time, but history hovers over any meeting between a Pope and an Italian head of state.

“Rome was the Pope’s city, now it is also the capital of Italy, so any occasion of showing accord is always welcomed,” said Italian Professor Giorgio Salzano, who for many years taught courses in political philosophy at the Pontifical Gregorian University. “It is a symbolic recognition by the [Italian secular state] of the importance in Italy of the Church.”

He said relations have been good for the last half-century.

“In Republican times [Italians in 1946 abolished the monarchy and established a republic], the relations have always been very good, thanks to the Lateran Pacts [signed in 1929, during the monarchy] that gave to the Pope what it needs,” he said.

Listen to the full interview by Chris Altieri with Professor Salzano: