President of Italy sends birthday greetings to Pope

The President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, has sent Pope Benedict XVI the following message:

"Your Holiness, on the happy occasion of your birthday, and as we approach the seventh anniversary of your election to the Papacy, I would like to offer, on behalf of the Italian people and myself, the warmest and most sincere good wishes for you and for the fruitful continuation of the high moral and spiritual teachings for which the Italian nation and the wider Catholic community look to you with hope.

With continuing feelings of friendship and esteem.”

Rome, April 16, 2012