Rome: In a gesture of fraternity and renewed partnership, Pope Leo XIV paid an official visit to the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Tuesday to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, reaffirming the long-standing bond between the Holy See and the Italian Republic. The meeting, marked by warmth and mutual respect, centered on shared commitments to peace, family welfare, social justice, and the defense of human dignity in an increasingly fractured world.
The Pope’s visit across Rome to Italy’s presidential residence was both historic and symbolic, highlighting the enduring spiritual and cultural connection between the See of Peter and the Italian nation. “As Bishop of Rome and Primate of Italy, it is meaningful for me to renew, through this visit, the strong bond that unites the See of Peter with the Italian people, whom you represent,” the Holy Father said in his address to President Mattarella.
Pope Leo reflected on Italy’s rich Christian heritage, pointing to the country’s countless churches, bell towers, and sacred art as visible signs of faith interwoven with creativity. These, he said, stand not only as monuments of artistic brilliance but as enduring testimonies of moral and human values. “The innate creativity of this people, united with their genuine and steadfast faith, has handed down to us a testimony of great beauty artistic, certainly, but above all moral and human,” the Pope remarked.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep appreciation to the Italian government and civil authorities for their generosity and organizational excellence during the Jubilee of Hope, which has drawn millions of pilgrims to Rome. He commended Italy for its readiness to host visitors from all over the world who came to honor the late Pope Francis and to witness the papal conclave that elected his successor. “Your hospitality and efficiency bear witness to a nation open to the world and dedicated to welcoming others with dignity,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Pope recalled that 2029 will mark the centenary of the Lateran Pacts, which established Vatican City State as a sovereign entity. The milestone, he said, offers an opportunity to celebrate the fruitful collaboration between Church and State in serving the human person. “The inviolable dignity of every person must always remain at the forefront of decision-making, especially in defending the most fragile and needy,” Pope Leo emphasized, calling for continued cooperation in advancing social welfare and justice.
Turning to global concerns, Pope Leo XIV decried the “grave suffering that wounds humanity” as wars and violence ravage many parts of the world. Quoting his predecessors including Pope Benedict XV before World War I and Pope Pius XII before World War II the Pope renewed the Church’s enduring plea for peace.
“With Pope St. Paul VI, I renew my heartfelt appeal that we continue to work to re-establish peace in every part of the world, cultivating the principles of justice, equity, and cooperation among peoples,” he said.
Pope Leo expressed gratitude to Italy for its humanitarian efforts, particularly for enabling Gazan children affected by war to receive medical care at the Bambino Gesù Hospital in Vatican City. “Such acts of compassion,” he said, “represent the best face of humanity a commitment to life amid destruction.”
Addressing Europe’s declining birth rates, the Pope urged renewed support for families, especially young couples facing economic and social uncertainty. “Let us do everything possible to give confidence to families especially young families so that they may look to the future with serenity and grow in harmony,” he said, highlighting the family as the “first school of love and peace.”
The Pope also praised Italy’s commitment to migrant assistance and efforts to combat human trafficking, calling them “among the great moral challenges of our time.” He commended the Italian government for its consistent openness and solidarity toward the marginalized.
As the meeting drew to a close, Pope Leo XIV invited Italians to rediscover the moral and cultural depth that defines their national identity. “Italy is a country of immense richness often humble and hidden and for that very reason, sometimes in need of being rediscovered,” he reflected. “I encourage all Italians to undertake this beautiful adventure to draw from your heritage the hope and courage to face the challenges of the present and the future.”
The visit to the Quirinal Palace concluded with a renewed commitment from both the Vatican and the Italian State to promote peace, dignity, and solidarity not merely as diplomatic ideals but as the living essence of human coexistence.