A visit by Pope John Paul II to the Italian parliament, which took
place on November 14, 2002, was “a memorable page in the history of
relations between Italy and the Holy See,” Pope Benedict XVI said in a
message to Italian Parliament leaders. The Pope’s message, marking the 10th anniversary of his predecessor’s visit, added that the event was “enriched the authoritative presence of the venerable figure of the Blessed Pontiff, who greatly desired the meeting in spite of his precarious health."
Pope Benedict encouraged Italian political leaders to reflect on the message of the late Pontiff, saying that “it is necessary to recall his invitation to seek nourishment in the vital lymph of Christianity which inspires the social and cultural identity of Italy, and its mission in Europe and the world.”