This morning, the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, paid a visit to the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The Head of the Italian State, accompanied by the Honourable Paolo Gentiloni, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, subsequently met with His Eminence, the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Italy, further consolidated by the recent signing of the Convention on fiscal matters. Themes relevant to the Italian social situation were then considered, with particular reference to the family, education, work and migration. Appreciation was affirmed for the cooperation of the Catholic Church in alleviating the situations of hardship that characterize some sectors of society. Mention was also made, within the framework of the current international situation, of the worrying spread of violence that continues to affect the eastern Mediterranean and North African areas.
The Parties confirmed their willingness to pursue their active collaboration on a bilateral level in the context of the international community, especially with regard to the promotion and protection of religious freedom and the dignity of human beings.
Mister President,
I am grateful for your visit, just two months after the Italian people elected you to the highest court in the land. This gesture demonstrates the excellent relations between the Holy See and Italy and continues the visits paid by your immediate predecessor, part of a long tradition which, especially since the time of the Council has seen increasing occasions for meetings between the supreme Italian civil authority and the leader of the Universal Church.
The Lateran Treaty, endorsed by the Constitution of the Republic and the Agreement of Revisions agreed to in this same Constitution have created a solid framework within which you can peacefully develop and reinforce the relations between Italy and the Holy See, ensuring reciprocal sovereignty and independence and at the same time, mutual orientation toward collaboration based on shared values and the promotion of the common good.
It is essential that in the distinction of roles and responsibilities and in full respect for each other's functions, we should always feel the need for renewed collaboration, aimed at uniting our strengths for the good of all citizens, who have the right to such agreement, from which countless benefits can be derived.
The Church offers to all people the beauty of the gospel and its message of salvation, and needs conditions of peace and tranquility which only the public authorities can promote in order to carry out its spiritual mission.
On the other hand, the authorities who are primarily responsible for the preparation of conditions which will favour fair and sustainable development for civil society to realize its full potential, will always find the commitment and the cooperation of the Church to be a valuable and ready source of support for their work. In fact, mutual autonomy does not negate but rather enhances our common responsibility for tangible support for human beings and for the spiritual and material support of the community which we are all committed to serving with humility and dedication.
It follows that a healthy pluralism is not closed off from specific contributions offered by various components that make up the ideals and religious adherences of a society, provided of course that they can accept the fundamental principles governing civil life and not focus too closely or distort their beliefs for the sake of violence or abuse. In other words, the ordinary development of a pluralistic civil society assumes that we do not pretend to confine the authentic religious spirit solely to the intimacy of conscience but that we also recognize its significant role in the creation of a society and lend credence to the significant contribution that it can offer.
Italy's history clearly demonstrates how great the contribution of Christianity has been to its cultre and the character of its peoples, when the Christian faith has permeated the world of art, architecture and the customs of the country. Faith is transformed into works and works into institutions, to the point of giving a face to a particular history and shaping almost all aspects of life, including family: the first and foremost bulwark of solidarity and school of values, which needs your help in order to develop its irreplaceable social function as a fundamental place of personal growth.
Mister President, among the many necessary factors for the development of every community, the necessary work is indicated by its connection with the same personal dignity, with the possibility of creating a dignified and free existence. In particular, the lack of jobs for young people is becoming a painful cry that challenges civil authorities, intermediary organizations, private entrepreneurs and the ecclesial community, so that every effort can be made to remedy the situation, and so that the right priority might be afforded to efforts to finding the solution to this problem. In fact, in the availability of work lies also the availability of dignity and a future.
For orderly growth of society, it is essential that younger generations, through accessibility to work, have the opportunity to design their future with serenity, free of insecurity and the risk of having to yield to misleading and dangerous temptations. All those who hold positions of special responsibility therefore have as their first task to face this problem courageously, creatively and with generosity.
Another area that requires particular attention today on the part of all people is care for the environment. In order to try to alleviate the growing imbalances which sometimes lead to real environmental disasters, we must seek full knowledge of the effects of our behaviour on creation, which are closely connected to the ways in which human beings consider and treat themselves (cf Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter, Caritas in veritate, 51).
In just a few days' time, the Milan Universal Exposition will begin, bearing the theme: Feeding the planet. Energy for life. This Expo will be an important occasion for the presentation of the most modern technologies to guarantee safe food, secure and sufficient for all peoples, with respect to the environment. May it contribute also to deepening our reflection on the causes of environmental degradation, so that competent authorities may be provided with an indispensable framework of knowledge and experience in order to adopt effective decisions and to preserve the health of the planet which God has entrusted to the care of humanity.
Finally, I wish to express my gratitude for the commitment that Italy is demonstrating toward the welcoming of numerous migrants who, risking their lives, seek welcome. It is clear that the proportions of the phenomenon require much wider involvement. We must never tire in our efforts to urge broader commitment at European and international levels.
Mister President, while assuring you of my cordial wishes for the fulfillment of your lofty task, I hope that Italy, taking stock of her noble traditions and her culture so profoundly inspired by Christian faith, may progress and prosper in harmony, offering her precious contributions toward peace and justice in the world.
May God protect Italy and all those who live here.
Mister President,
I have the honour to greet you respectfully and cordially, and to present to you the Heads of Diplomatic Missions accredited to the Holy See. Aware of the importance of this moment, they extend to you through me their warm welcome and wish also to extend their appreciation for the noble and elevated service to which, only two months ago, you were called.
Permit me, Mister President, a brief look at the past in order to provide some useful reflection. A century ago, Italy was drawn into the first great World War of the twentieth century. It was a tremendous experience. Pope Benedict XV defined it as useless slaughter. This event, though tragic, saw the Church and Italian Catholics work together to alleviate the dire conditions that were being experienced by the entire country. Help was given to everyone, with no exceptions: the wounded, the disabled, widows and orphans. There was no shortage of heroic examples, of sincere sharing and of sharing in the suffering of others by priests and religious who accompanied the soldiers - among them we remember Don Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII who is now a Saint, who served in the Military Health Corp - as well as the many religious who provided for them during their convalescence. Many chaplains lost their lives at the front and in the trenches. This was certainly a dramatic experience from which the Christian spirit emerged, almost naturally, as an element of solidarity and cohesion. Those experiences contributed to a rapprochement between the Church and the State so that it was possible, through even more articulated talks, after about ten years to define stipulations of the Lateran Concordat and the Lateran Treaty. The first defined the juridical conditions of the Church in Italy, and the second brought about the Vatican City State and guaranteed the Holy See the exercise of her mission in the world. One hundred years later, there is no shortage of reasons for deepening appreciation for the sufferings of many people in the world, wounded by social instability and from bloody wars. Faced with these often dramatic scenarios, it is helpful to recall the happy progress that has been accomplished between us in this century and to allow ourselves to learn some lessons: it is helpful to return to the inspiration of Charity, which for us reveals the face of Christ whose arms are spread wide open, with intelligence and foresight toward all people, with no distinction, rekindling mutual esteem among those who were once adversaries. Mutual esteem was reborn among those who once were adversaries, a will to be reconciled, to establish good relations and to give life to a collaboration for the good of individuals and of the entire community. Church and State, we know, working for their own ends with the means at their disposal, but both wanting to cooperate for the good of individuals and for society. I am certain that this model is looked upon today with increasing interest even beyond the borders of Italy. And this is possible through the precious and competent witness of the Diplomatic Representatives of the States and International Organizations who work with the Holy See.
In the cultural field too, perhaps the most representative of close connections between the Church and Italy can be found most clearly in the contribution that the Christian faith offers to the people of the world. This year marks the 750th anniversary of the birth of Dante Alighieri, one of the greatest exponents of Italian language and literature. Alighieri expressed his high qualities of intelligence, culture and faith in the conception of the Divine Comedy, a monument of Italian literature. In it, Dante, free of any ecclesiastical commitment but anchored in solid faith, confronted the major themes of human life and wove them into reality. Of Dante's Commedia, it has been said that the happiness of one cannot be separated from that of others, either on this earth or in the ultimate destination that each of us is promised in eternity. Besides all this, his own commitment to the polis fiorentina is evidence of his deep love for the city of his birth, but without this commitment being transformed into a self-centred and self-referential municipality. Even his relationship with the papacy suffered, but he was well aware of the stakes. Much more can be said of this great poet but this is enough to ensure that, should the need arise, the Christian faith can transform people and make them more human, capable of permeating their efforts with a universal message, accessible and appreciated by many, thus creating a more civilized society. Even here, in the cultural field, this Excellent Diplomatic Corp which, for the restrictions of the Vatican territory which resides in Italy enjoys, reflects and embraces the treasure of true artistic beauty and culture, expressions of Christian faith which adorn every corner of Italy.
Mister President,
We know that the responsibility facing those who rule in the highest degree over public matters is no small thing, but it is possible for him who believes, even knows that there is no shortage of adequate celestial assistance for the functions that are required: that is the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See and me personally; these are our wishes for your Mission. I wish to thank you for your visit to the Vatican!
During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Italy, further consolidated by the recent signing of the Convention on fiscal matters. Themes relevant to the Italian social situation were then considered, with particular reference to the family, education, work and migration. Appreciation was affirmed for the cooperation of the Catholic Church in alleviating the situations of hardship that characterize some sectors of society. Mention was also made, within the framework of the current international situation, of the worrying spread of violence that continues to affect the eastern Mediterranean and North African areas.
The Parties confirmed their willingness to pursue their active collaboration on a bilateral level in the context of the international community, especially with regard to the promotion and protection of religious freedom and the dignity of human beings.
Speech of His Holiness, Pope Francis
for the encounter with the President of Italy
Mister President,
I am grateful for your visit, just two months after the Italian people elected you to the highest court in the land. This gesture demonstrates the excellent relations between the Holy See and Italy and continues the visits paid by your immediate predecessor, part of a long tradition which, especially since the time of the Council has seen increasing occasions for meetings between the supreme Italian civil authority and the leader of the Universal Church.
The Lateran Treaty, endorsed by the Constitution of the Republic and the Agreement of Revisions agreed to in this same Constitution have created a solid framework within which you can peacefully develop and reinforce the relations between Italy and the Holy See, ensuring reciprocal sovereignty and independence and at the same time, mutual orientation toward collaboration based on shared values and the promotion of the common good.
It is essential that in the distinction of roles and responsibilities and in full respect for each other's functions, we should always feel the need for renewed collaboration, aimed at uniting our strengths for the good of all citizens, who have the right to such agreement, from which countless benefits can be derived.
The Church offers to all people the beauty of the gospel and its message of salvation, and needs conditions of peace and tranquility which only the public authorities can promote in order to carry out its spiritual mission.
On the other hand, the authorities who are primarily responsible for the preparation of conditions which will favour fair and sustainable development for civil society to realize its full potential, will always find the commitment and the cooperation of the Church to be a valuable and ready source of support for their work. In fact, mutual autonomy does not negate but rather enhances our common responsibility for tangible support for human beings and for the spiritual and material support of the community which we are all committed to serving with humility and dedication.
It follows that a healthy pluralism is not closed off from specific contributions offered by various components that make up the ideals and religious adherences of a society, provided of course that they can accept the fundamental principles governing civil life and not focus too closely or distort their beliefs for the sake of violence or abuse. In other words, the ordinary development of a pluralistic civil society assumes that we do not pretend to confine the authentic religious spirit solely to the intimacy of conscience but that we also recognize its significant role in the creation of a society and lend credence to the significant contribution that it can offer.
Italy's history clearly demonstrates how great the contribution of Christianity has been to its cultre and the character of its peoples, when the Christian faith has permeated the world of art, architecture and the customs of the country. Faith is transformed into works and works into institutions, to the point of giving a face to a particular history and shaping almost all aspects of life, including family: the first and foremost bulwark of solidarity and school of values, which needs your help in order to develop its irreplaceable social function as a fundamental place of personal growth.
Mister President, among the many necessary factors for the development of every community, the necessary work is indicated by its connection with the same personal dignity, with the possibility of creating a dignified and free existence. In particular, the lack of jobs for young people is becoming a painful cry that challenges civil authorities, intermediary organizations, private entrepreneurs and the ecclesial community, so that every effort can be made to remedy the situation, and so that the right priority might be afforded to efforts to finding the solution to this problem. In fact, in the availability of work lies also the availability of dignity and a future.
For orderly growth of society, it is essential that younger generations, through accessibility to work, have the opportunity to design their future with serenity, free of insecurity and the risk of having to yield to misleading and dangerous temptations. All those who hold positions of special responsibility therefore have as their first task to face this problem courageously, creatively and with generosity.
Another area that requires particular attention today on the part of all people is care for the environment. In order to try to alleviate the growing imbalances which sometimes lead to real environmental disasters, we must seek full knowledge of the effects of our behaviour on creation, which are closely connected to the ways in which human beings consider and treat themselves (cf Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter, Caritas in veritate, 51).
In just a few days' time, the Milan Universal Exposition will begin, bearing the theme: Feeding the planet. Energy for life. This Expo will be an important occasion for the presentation of the most modern technologies to guarantee safe food, secure and sufficient for all peoples, with respect to the environment. May it contribute also to deepening our reflection on the causes of environmental degradation, so that competent authorities may be provided with an indispensable framework of knowledge and experience in order to adopt effective decisions and to preserve the health of the planet which God has entrusted to the care of humanity.
Finally, I wish to express my gratitude for the commitment that Italy is demonstrating toward the welcoming of numerous migrants who, risking their lives, seek welcome. It is clear that the proportions of the phenomenon require much wider involvement. We must never tire in our efforts to urge broader commitment at European and international levels.
Mister President, while assuring you of my cordial wishes for the fulfillment of your lofty task, I hope that Italy, taking stock of her noble traditions and her culture so profoundly inspired by Christian faith, may progress and prosper in harmony, offering her precious contributions toward peace and justice in the world.
May God protect Italy and all those who live here.
Greetings of His Eminence, Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
for the meeting with the President of Italy
Mister President,
I have the honour to greet you respectfully and cordially, and to present to you the Heads of Diplomatic Missions accredited to the Holy See. Aware of the importance of this moment, they extend to you through me their warm welcome and wish also to extend their appreciation for the noble and elevated service to which, only two months ago, you were called.
Permit me, Mister President, a brief look at the past in order to provide some useful reflection. A century ago, Italy was drawn into the first great World War of the twentieth century. It was a tremendous experience. Pope Benedict XV defined it as useless slaughter. This event, though tragic, saw the Church and Italian Catholics work together to alleviate the dire conditions that were being experienced by the entire country. Help was given to everyone, with no exceptions: the wounded, the disabled, widows and orphans. There was no shortage of heroic examples, of sincere sharing and of sharing in the suffering of others by priests and religious who accompanied the soldiers - among them we remember Don Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII who is now a Saint, who served in the Military Health Corp - as well as the many religious who provided for them during their convalescence. Many chaplains lost their lives at the front and in the trenches. This was certainly a dramatic experience from which the Christian spirit emerged, almost naturally, as an element of solidarity and cohesion. Those experiences contributed to a rapprochement between the Church and the State so that it was possible, through even more articulated talks, after about ten years to define stipulations of the Lateran Concordat and the Lateran Treaty. The first defined the juridical conditions of the Church in Italy, and the second brought about the Vatican City State and guaranteed the Holy See the exercise of her mission in the world. One hundred years later, there is no shortage of reasons for deepening appreciation for the sufferings of many people in the world, wounded by social instability and from bloody wars. Faced with these often dramatic scenarios, it is helpful to recall the happy progress that has been accomplished between us in this century and to allow ourselves to learn some lessons: it is helpful to return to the inspiration of Charity, which for us reveals the face of Christ whose arms are spread wide open, with intelligence and foresight toward all people, with no distinction, rekindling mutual esteem among those who were once adversaries. Mutual esteem was reborn among those who once were adversaries, a will to be reconciled, to establish good relations and to give life to a collaboration for the good of individuals and of the entire community. Church and State, we know, working for their own ends with the means at their disposal, but both wanting to cooperate for the good of individuals and for society. I am certain that this model is looked upon today with increasing interest even beyond the borders of Italy. And this is possible through the precious and competent witness of the Diplomatic Representatives of the States and International Organizations who work with the Holy See.
In the cultural field too, perhaps the most representative of close connections between the Church and Italy can be found most clearly in the contribution that the Christian faith offers to the people of the world. This year marks the 750th anniversary of the birth of Dante Alighieri, one of the greatest exponents of Italian language and literature. Alighieri expressed his high qualities of intelligence, culture and faith in the conception of the Divine Comedy, a monument of Italian literature. In it, Dante, free of any ecclesiastical commitment but anchored in solid faith, confronted the major themes of human life and wove them into reality. Of Dante's Commedia, it has been said that the happiness of one cannot be separated from that of others, either on this earth or in the ultimate destination that each of us is promised in eternity. Besides all this, his own commitment to the polis fiorentina is evidence of his deep love for the city of his birth, but without this commitment being transformed into a self-centred and self-referential municipality. Even his relationship with the papacy suffered, but he was well aware of the stakes. Much more can be said of this great poet but this is enough to ensure that, should the need arise, the Christian faith can transform people and make them more human, capable of permeating their efforts with a universal message, accessible and appreciated by many, thus creating a more civilized society. Even here, in the cultural field, this Excellent Diplomatic Corp which, for the restrictions of the Vatican territory which resides in Italy enjoys, reflects and embraces the treasure of true artistic beauty and culture, expressions of Christian faith which adorn every corner of Italy.
Mister President,
We know that the responsibility facing those who rule in the highest degree over public matters is no small thing, but it is possible for him who believes, even knows that there is no shortage of adequate celestial assistance for the functions that are required: that is the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See and me personally; these are our wishes for your Mission. I wish to thank you for your visit to the Vatican!
No comments:
Post a Comment