Italian president’s concert for Pope Benedict

(May 06, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI was treated to an evening concert offered by Italian president Giorgio Napolitano on the occasion of the pontiff’s 6^th anniversary of election to the papacy, marked on March 19. The Pope who is a music lover heard the soloists, orchestra and chorus of Rome’s Teatro dell'Opera perform Vivaldi’s Creed in E minor and Rossini’s Stabat Mater. At the end of the musical evening Pope Benedict lauded Vivaldi and Rossini, saying the choice of the two great Italian composers was a fitting tribute to Italy as the nation celebrates 150 years of its unification this year. Before the concert, the Pope and Napolitano met privately for some 20 minutes. Among the issues that featured in the talks was the arrangements made to welcome the numerous pilgrims for Pope John Paul’s beatification last Sunday. They also shared views on the international situation, particularly in North Africa and the 150^th anniversary of the Italian Unification.