"In praying for him, we realize how he continues to confirm our faith." Monsignor Giuseppe Baturi, archbishop of Cagliari and secretary general of the CEI, emphasizes in an interview with SIR the deep bond between Pope Francis and the people of the Church: "It was a spontaneous movement that involved not only the ecclesial communities, but also individual believers and many people who approach us, asking for news and almost wanting us to be an instrument of their closeness to the Holy Father."

An affection that comes from a deeper awareness: "The Pope has a special bond with the Churches in Italy, being bishop of Rome and primate of Italy. But there is something deeper than simple sentiment: the awareness of the Catholic communion that is with Peter emerges, who is called to confirm in the faith and to preside over the communion in charity."

"It is not a mere emotion: it is the awareness of the value of his person for us, as a man and as Peter", notes Baturi on the closeness of the Italian Church to Francis, underlining that "it is an affection that translates into communion, a sign of the living relationship between the Pope and the people of God".

An aspect that is also linked to the principle of co-responsibility: "The Pope has always emphasized, since the first evening of his pontificate, that the people are entrusted to the care of the pastor, just as the pastor must rely on the care of the people. It is the people who support us, who keep us standing."

This communion, explains Baturi, translates into a full acceptance of his teaching: « Co-responsibility means taking as a reference his word, his example, his pastoral line: synodality, mercy, the encounter with Christ».

The Pope does not hesitate "to speak of his weakness, but his fragility is illuminated by the love of Christ. " A clear sign is the recent image released by the Vatican Press Office: "It is an image that suggests his position before the mystery of life, suffering, pain. In this way, too, he continues to exercise his ministry, continues to send strong messages and to guide the Church."