Pope Benedict XVI speech during official visit to the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano
(October 4, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI made his official visit to the Palace Quirinale
to meet the Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano in Rome on Saturday, 4th
of October morning at 11 am. The Holy Father left Vatican and proceeded to the Palace
Quirinale in his Papal car waving to the people gathered along the streets of Rome.
President Napolitano received the Pope at the palace and a military welcome was accorded
to him. During his address the Holy Father said that this visit is not only an act
that fits into the context of the many relations between the Holy See and Italy. He
recounted the history of over two hundred years, particularly the visit of Pope Pius
XII in 1939, ten years from the Lateran Treaty, and first visit by a pontiff to the
Quirinale after 1870. He quoted Pius XII with the words: "The Vatican and the Quirinal
Palace is divided by the Tiber, but is gathered by a bond of peace with memories of
the religion of their fathers and ancestors.” The Pope said that his visit is to confirm
that the Quirinale and the Vatican are places that symbolize mutual respect for sovereignty
of the State and the Church, ready to work together to promote and serve the good
of the human person and the peaceful conduct of social harmony. Pope Benedict then
mentioned that the day of his visit was special as the Church celebrates the feast
of the Patron of Italy St Francis of Assisi and he along with St Catherine of Sienna
were declared Co-Patrons Italy in 1939 by Pope Pius XII. Pope Benedict added that
in St Francis, whose person is attracting believers and non-believers, presents the
picture of what is the perennial mission of the Church. In his call to fulfil its
mission, the Pope said that Church must be able to enjoy the right to freedom of religion.
At the same time it has special responsibility towards the younger generation and
in their training through education. The Pope hoped that Italy a country with a glorious
past, must continue to give their important contribution to building, even in these
times of economic and social uncertainty, the common good of the country, as well
as Europe and the entire human family, with special attention to poor and the marginalized,
young people unemployed, families and the elderly persons.