2008-10-04 17:35:42

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.







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