Mattarella and greetings to the Pope: 'Complex times, recover dialogue'

The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent a message to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of Easter, addressing to the pontiff, 'on behalf of the Italian people and my own personal wishes on the occasion of Holy Easter, the first since his election to the papal throne'.

The Head of State added: "On the day on which the Catholic Church celebrates in Italia and everywhere the joy of the Resurrection and the triumph of life over death, I hope that these sentiments, especially in such complex and restless times, will reassure and urge everyone - rulers, women and men of good will - to recover as soon as possible the reasons for dialogue, moderation and peaceful and just coexistence among peoples. We are comforted by the hope that Holy Easter will bring everywhere a message that will shake off resignation and exhort to concrete action so that humanity will be awakened from what Your Holiness has called the 'globalisation of powerlessness'".

Mattarella continued: "In a world marked by deep divisions, sometimes exacerbated by distorted and instrumental interpretations of religious faiths, your Holiness constitutes a universal point of reference, capable of promoting a culture of concord among peoples that transcends confessional boundaries. Therefore, sharing its urgency, I join you in your constant appeals for peace, justice and the common good. These are the same values on which the Italian Republic is founded. Today's joyful celebration also gives me the opportunity to thank Your Holiness for the recent pastoral visits made to the Diocese of Rome and for the many visits to Italia which you are about to make".

He then concludes: "Each of these occasions represents a tangible sign of the closeness of the throne of Peter to our country, which we welcome and reciprocate with deep affection. In this spirit, I wish you, Holy Father, a good and holy Easter, renewing our best wishes for your personal well-being".