Pope Leo XIV visit to the Quirinal

Pope Leo XIV and Italian President

Rome [ENA] On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in the splendid Ballroom of the Quirinale Palace, Pope Leo XIV, after a private meeting with President Sergio Mattarella, addressed the highest officials of the Italian State and the Vatican. The Pope mentioned the Quirinale Palace,a palace so closely linked to the history of the Catholic Church and the memory of numerous Pontiffs. "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, within the framework of the cordial bilateral relations that exist between Italy and the Holy See, which have long been marked by sincere friendship and fruitful mutual collaboration. Indeed, this happy union has its roots in the history of this Peninsula and in the long religious and cultural tradition of this country. We see its signs, for example, in the countless churches and bell towers that dot the land—often true treasures of art and devotion—in which the innate creativity of this people, united with their genuine and steadfast faith, has handed down to us a testimony of great

artistic,certainly, but above all moral and human. I take this opportunity to express the Holy See’s deep gratitude for all that the Italian authorities have done and continue to do on the occasion of various demanding ecclesial events centered in Rome and resonating throughout the world. I particularly wish to express my appreciation for the effort made at all levels during the death of my venerated predecessor, Pope Francis. It was here, at the Quirinal Palace, that he said: “My roots are in this country” (Address on the Official Visit to the President of the Italian Republic, June 10, 2017). His love for the land and the people of Italy found, in those days, a moving and heartfelt response, which was also evident in the great and

prudent care taken during the subsequent Conclave for the election of the new Pontiff." The Pontiff also spoke of a "happy union rooted in the history of this Peninsula and in the long religious and cultural tradition of this country. We see signs of this, for example, in the countless churches and bell towers that dot the territory, often true treasure troves of art and devotion, in which the innate creativity of this people, combined with its genuine and solid faith, has given us the testimony of so much beauty: artistic, certainly, but above all moral and human."After expressing the Holy See's heartfelt gratitude for what the Italian authorities have done and continue to do on the occasion of various challenging ecclesial events

in Rome and with universal resonance, the Pope expressed particular the Pontiff then spoke of the need to support the efforts of families in this historical context, where ever-increasing wealth is contrasted with multiple forms of poverty. "In recent decades, we have witnessed in Europe as we know, a notable decline in the birth rate. This calls for a concerted effort to promote choices at all levels in favor of the family—supporting itsefforts, promoting its values, and protecting its needs and rights. “Father,” “mother,” “son,” “daughter,” “grandfather,” “grandmother”—these are words that, in Italian tradition, naturally express and evoke sentiments of love, respect, and dedication—sometimes heroic—for the good of the family community

and therefore for that of society as a whole. In particular, I wish to emphasize the importance of guaranteeing all families the indispensable support of dignified work, in fair conditions and with due attention to the needs related to motherhood and fatherhood. 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». President Mattarella said that "Ukraine and the Middle East are just two of the crisis scenarios present in the world" and that unfortunately "Christian communities often pay the high price of wars." Furthermore, the President emphasized the fruitful collaboration between the Catholic Church and republican institutions.

President Mattarella said that "Ukraine and the Middle East are just two of the crisis scenarios present in the world" and that unfortunately "Christian communities often pay the high price of wars." Furthermore, the President emphasized the fruitful collaboration between the Catholic Church and republican institutions. Pope Leo XIV said «In particular, I would like to emphasize the importance of guaranteeing all families the indispensable support of dignified work, under fair conditions and with attention to the needs associated with motherhood and

and fatherhood. We do everything we can to give families, especially young families, confidence so that they can look to the future with serenity and grow in harmony». Leo XIV concluded by congratulating the Italians and saying that, in any case, "Italy is a country of immense beauty."