Mattarella’s best wishes to the Pope: his appeals for harmony among peoples call those who govern to dialogue

“Faced with the continuation of the brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine and with the crisis scenarios afflicting various areas of the world, your repeated appeals for harmony among peoples call everyone – starting with those with government responsibilities – to the demands of that bond of brotherhood that predisposes us to dialogue and mutual understanding”. Thus the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarellain a message he sent to Pope francesco on the occasion of Easter.

“Holy Easter offers me the very welcome opportunity to offer Your Holiness the most fervent wishes of the Italian Republic and my personal ones”, writes the head of state. “Faced with the continuation of the brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine and with the crisis scenarios afflicting various areas of the world, your repeated appeals for harmony among peoples call everyone – starting with those with government responsibilities – to the demands of that bond of brotherhood that predisposes us to dialogue and mutual understanding”.

John XXIII’s encyclical on peace

“I therefore hope that the Easter holidays will allow us to deepen the reflection started sixty years ago by St. John XXIII with the Encyclical Letter “on peace among all peoples founded on truth, justice, love, freedom””, underlines the President of the Republic: “In fact, more than ever, the contribution of all men and women is necessary of good will in the implementation of the common good, to provide an answer to the yearning for peace felt by humanity. In this spirit, I renew to you, Holy Father, sincere and affectionate wishes for Easter, together – concludes Mattarella as Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s name day approaches – my cordial congratulations on the now imminent anniversary of Saint George”, which falls next April 23rd.