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March 19, 2020

In these days of coronavirus emergency we celebrate the seven years since the beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Francis who yesterday asked the population not to waste these difficult days but to give them meaning through solidarity for those who suffer for loved ones, and having "asked the Lord to stop the epidemic".

The President of the Republic sent a message to the Pontiff on behalf of all the Italian people "on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the solemn beginning of the Pontificate". "This recurrence - continues the Head of State - coincides this year with a period of special test for the global spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. In a context dramatically marked by the pandemic, the international community finds in its illuminating Pastoral Mission and in its life and paternal testimony of the highest Gospel values ​​a pressing invitation to rediscover the reasons for collaboration and solidarity between states and peoples, in adherence to the demanding message of attention to the most vulnerable that Your Holiness proposes with tireless determination to all humanity ".

"On multiple occasions she has shown her special closeness to Italy, a closeness confirmed, even in the last hours, on the occasion of her recent visits to places of worship which for centuries have represented sources of consolation and hope. Italy , today committed to dealing with exceptional circumstances, she knows she can always look with confidence and gratitude to the particular concern of her primate ", Mattarella writes in his message.

"His constant calls to embrace dialogue and to shy away from the" waste culture "suggest the way to face global emergencies and pursue an authentically integral development. I sincerely hope that this perspective can be readily accepted in order to better overcome the dramatic challenge of today and trace a bright path towards the future ".

"With these sentiments, Your Holiness, I renew your best wishes for your personal well-being and for the continuation of your very high Mission", thus concludes the message, the Head of State.