The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent the following message to His Holiness Pope Francis:
“Your Holiness,
the message sent on the occasion of the 53rd World Peace Day urges us to reflecton our responsibility – both in the private sphere and in our social behaviour - to contribute to a productive and peaceful coexistence, both at the national level as well as in the context of international relations.
On the occasion of the recent apostolic trip to Japan, Your Holiness stressed that international peace and stability cannot be built "on fear of mutual destruction or on a threat of utter annihilation".
In order to overcome the precarious balance which Your Holiness aptly defines as "false security", infinitely more far-reaching foundations are needed, ones based on the awareness of a brotherhood intimately inscribed in the consciousness of every human being.
Only by setting aside the logic of domination and rediscovering the potential within the other, will the peoples of the world be able to build solid bridges of peace.
To this regard, your invitation to embark upon this daring exercise of hope that allows us to look beyond the limited horizon of resentments and fears is particularly fitting.
Each of us, called upon to "believe in the possibility of peace" and to cultivate aculture of inclusion in everyday life, also draw from your inspired message a fatherly encouragement to spare no effort in promoting justice - in political, economic and social spheres - so that it can permeate every realm of life withinour communities, beginning with the family. Indeed the treasure of memory, guidance and trace, as you reminded us, "for present and future choices of peace" is rooted within the family.
The two important initiatives that Your Holiness proposes for the year that has just begun, are established within this perspective.
First of all, I wish to mention the international meeting scheduled in Assisi where approximately 500 young economists and entrepreneurs will have the chance to discuss the definition of economic models that - far from predatory gap logic - increasingly strengthen the ethical component vital to the promotion of a more fair, inclusive and sustainable economy.
Secondly, another noteworthy event is the one dedicated to the rebuilding of a "Global educational pact", which will bring together representatives from institutions as well as international bodies, academics and students to speak about the need to invest in a renewed educational journey to bring about a new universal solidarity.
Your pressing invitation to hope for peace is also manifested in the call to an "eco-friendly conversion", a prelude to genuinely sustainable, human and complete development.
The preservation of the natural heritage, as well as the cultural and artistic one, is one of the constitutional principles of the Italian Republic.
These essential values, which include the disavowal of war, are also the foundation of the guiding principles behind Italy's international action.
Being fully aware that peace is built upon dialogue, through careful management of the planet's wealth and commitment to support the development opportunities of all peoples, Italy maintains its fervent support ofmultilateralism and actively contributes to the invaluable work of international organizations.
As I express my gratitude for the Message you sent us on the occasion of World Peace Day 2020, I would also like to, on behalf of the Italian people and myself,extend Your Holiness our warmest and most heartfelt wishes for the New Year.”
