At 11:30 this morning in the Sala Clementina at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience personnel from the Diplomatic Protocol Office of the Italian Republic, and the officials of the Italian Embassy to the Holy See.
Mister Chief of Protocol,
Mister Ambassador,
Illustrious Ladies and Gentlemen,
I cordially greet you and want to thank you for your visit, which is made even more special by this Christmas time.
First of all, I want to express my gratitude that you have provided for my ministry through your work, especially that which is hidden. It is not known publicly but it is precious. Thank you very much!
On March 19th of this year, for example; it is difficult to understand all the diplomatic activity that went on behind the scenes for that big encounter. Today I have an opportunity to thank you for all the work you have done. This is an occasion not only to say thank you but also to tell you that I am very happy with what I have just heard: about your collaboration with the Secretariat of State and with the Prefecture of the Papal Household, as well as the ethical and spiritual dimensions that you also understand in your work.
Regarding the value and meaning of your work, let me emphasize a perspective that I believe is very important. Through your service, you are in a particular position to promote a culture of encounter. You are diplomats and all of your work is meant to ensure that representatives of countries, as well as those of international organizations and institutions can meet one another in a most efficient manner. How important this is! The ceremonial aspect of these encounters is the most visible and is aimed at promoting the growth of positive relationships based on mutual understanding, respect and the common search for paths that lead to development and peace.
In particular, in all this, you have one more card to play: that of the Italian cultural heritage. Italy has always been synonymous with the world of culture and civilization. And you help to ensure that this is enhanced by a culture of encounter, which this heritage favors toward the common good which Pope Paul VI called the civilization of love.
The approaching feast of Christmas is the feast of encounter between God and man. God comes to give us a Child who in his person fully embodies this encounter. Even those who are not Christian are challenged by the message of Christmas which Jesus announces. I hope that each of you will be able to live this mystery of love this Christmas, and that it will also deeply motivate and guide your service.
Above all, my wish for you is that the Lord Jesus may give the gifts of peace and serenity to your families, to children, to the elderly and to those who are sick. Thank you again, and I ask you all to pray for me. Merry Christmas!
Address of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
to the Officers responsible for Diplomatic Protocol
and the officers from the Italian Embassy to the Holy See
Mister Chief of Protocol,
Mister Ambassador,
Illustrious Ladies and Gentlemen,
I cordially greet you and want to thank you for your visit, which is made even more special by this Christmas time.
First of all, I want to express my gratitude that you have provided for my ministry through your work, especially that which is hidden. It is not known publicly but it is precious. Thank you very much!
On March 19th of this year, for example; it is difficult to understand all the diplomatic activity that went on behind the scenes for that big encounter. Today I have an opportunity to thank you for all the work you have done. This is an occasion not only to say thank you but also to tell you that I am very happy with what I have just heard: about your collaboration with the Secretariat of State and with the Prefecture of the Papal Household, as well as the ethical and spiritual dimensions that you also understand in your work.
Regarding the value and meaning of your work, let me emphasize a perspective that I believe is very important. Through your service, you are in a particular position to promote a culture of encounter. You are diplomats and all of your work is meant to ensure that representatives of countries, as well as those of international organizations and institutions can meet one another in a most efficient manner. How important this is! The ceremonial aspect of these encounters is the most visible and is aimed at promoting the growth of positive relationships based on mutual understanding, respect and the common search for paths that lead to development and peace.
In particular, in all this, you have one more card to play: that of the Italian cultural heritage. Italy has always been synonymous with the world of culture and civilization. And you help to ensure that this is enhanced by a culture of encounter, which this heritage favors toward the common good which Pope Paul VI called the civilization of love.
The approaching feast of Christmas is the feast of encounter between God and man. God comes to give us a Child who in his person fully embodies this encounter. Even those who are not Christian are challenged by the message of Christmas which Jesus announces. I hope that each of you will be able to live this mystery of love this Christmas, and that it will also deeply motivate and guide your service.
Above all, my wish for you is that the Lord Jesus may give the gifts of peace and serenity to your families, to children, to the elderly and to those who are sick. Thank you again, and I ask you all to pray for me. Merry Christmas!
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