Pope Leo XIV crossed the borders of Vatican City starting from Piazza Pio XII, accompanied to Piazza Venezia and then escorted by the Cuirassiers on horseback along the final stretch to the Quirinal Palace.
He was welcomed with full honors by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. First, the national anthems—the Vatican and the Italian—were played by military bands, followed by a private conversation that preceded the public moment with their respective speeches.
An institutional meeting, but with strong ethical and political content. The Pope highlighted the demographic crisis affecting Europe: "In recent decades, we have witnessed a significant decline in the birth rate. We must promote courageous decisions in favor of the family, protecting its rights and needs."
The Pope forcefully reaffirmed the role of the family in building the future: "Guaranteeing all families dignified work, under fair conditions that respect motherhood and fatherhood. Restoring trust, especially among young people, is a shared responsibility."
From the secular side, President Mattarella reiterated the value of the bond between State and Church , underlining the social function of the Catholic presence in the country: "The Church has strengthened the cohesion of the Italian people, supporting the weakest and promoting legality and acceptance, especially towards migrants."
An intense dialogue, not merely formal, which demonstrated the strong relationship between the Quirinale and the Vatican, centered on shared priorities : support for the most vulnerable, promotion of the dignity of work, and care for the country's social fabric. The visit concluded with the Holy Father's return to the Vatican.
(Unioneonline)
