Today Francis visited the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio
Napolitano, at the Qurinale Palace for the first time.
At the meeting, which took place in a sober and cordial climate, Napolitano expressed his genuine affection and Francis thanked him for his generosity.
The crux of the first visit by the Pope “from the
other side of the world” to the Quirinale Palace, the Italian
President’s official residence, was encapsulated in the words that the
two elderly leaders whispered almost into each other’s ears at the end
of their meeting.
Francis was moved by the words of affection the
President addressed to him, expressing recognition for the changes
introduced under the new pontificate and the enthusiasm the new Pope is
triggering. “Thank you for your generosity!” Francis told President
Napolitano.
Greater efforts need to be made to combat
unemployment at this time of economic crisis; attention needs to be
shown to immigrants’ suffering, the family and its stability need to be
valued because it is at times like this that it shows how
“irreplaceable” its role is. These are the points Francis wished to
highlight in his speech to President Giorgio Napolitano on his first
visit to the Quirinale Palace. Before this, the President expressed his
full appreciation for the newness of Bergoglio’s approach: his capacity
to engage in dialogue with others.
Despite the official nature of the visit, the
climate of the meeting was cordial and overcame all formalities and
protocol. As the President himself made clear in his speech: “I would
not like the formal solemnity of this ceremony to dampen the feelings of
genuine affection sparked by you.” The President showed sincere
admiration for the effect Bergoglio was having both in and outside the
Church, even in his dialogue with non-believers.
“The main task of the Church is to bear witness to
God's mercy and to encourage a generous response of solidarity to open
up a future of hope; because where hope grows, there is an increase in
energy and commitment to the construction of a more human and just
social and civil order, and new potential emerges for healthy and
sustainable development.” Many well known or less well known entities
make a positive and unique contribution by Catholics who are committed
to responding to the needs of the suffering.
The presence of representatives from solidarity
and volunteering entities among those invited to attend today’s meeting
at the Quirinale Palace, is another sign of the change introduced under
the current pontificate.