The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has sent the following message to His Holiness Pope Francis:
«On behalf of the Italian Republic, I would like to thank you for the important message you addressed to the Heads of State and Heads of Government, to the believers of different religions and to all men and women of good will, on the occasion of the 54th World Day of Peace.
The theme “The culture of care as a path to peace” offers us all, especially those who hold public office at all levels, an important starting point for reflectionon the need to work for human progress - more topical than ever these days - that finds its foundations in fraternity, justice and peace.
The health emergency we are experiencing, as Your Holiness has constantly reminded us over the past months, is part of a situation characterised by a number of interlinked critical issues – climatic, food, economic, migration issues. The pandemic has worsened them, brought additional mourning and suffering, and made conditions even more precarious for those already experiencing difficulties.
Therefore, your message on the importance of cultivating a proper culture of care, in the public and on a personal level, is particularly timely in the current circumstances. This process requires us to tap into the deeper meaning of the concept of responsibility, a word that implies the idea of feedback, of a call for a response, and to reinterpret in this context our status as members of a community. Responsible participation is the very essence of citizenship, and it requires careful consideration of how our choices affect those around us, the entire human family and the natural environment.
I fully endorse your encouragement to walk the paths of our daily activity guided by a “compass” whose cardinal points are clearly indicated by Your Holiness: the protection of human rights, care for the common good, the practice of solidarity and the safeguarding of Creation. Along this path, as Your Holinesspointed out, the heritage of principles of the Church’s social doctrine constitutes a reliable reference for the promotion of the dignity of the person and the well-being of peoples.
As members of the United Nations Human Rights Council, we are particularly committed to the protection and promotion of fundamental, inalienable, universal and indivisible human rights. Italy asks and offers all Countries respect and cooperation in this field, which is so important for the life of the International Community. We will also keep supporting initiatives to prevent new conflicts, to manage global challenges fairly and with foresight, and to build peaceful and inclusive societies.
It is in this spirit that I wholeheartedly endorse your call for a greater and more widespread role for women, your remarks on the need for a pedagogical effort, which can help to shape our societies on the basis of a newfound spirit of brotherhood by involving the family, schools and universities, and your encouragement for everyone to become a spokesperson for the culture of care.
Your Holiness, please accept my sincerest New Year wishes, together with the assurance of my deepest consideration».
