Pope Calls for Openness to Migrants During Meeting at Italian Presidential Palace
Pope Leo XIV praises Italy's efforts against human trafficking while urging continued openness and integration of migrants.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged Italy's efforts in combating human trafficking during a formal meeting with President Sergio Mattarella at the Qurinale Palace.
This event marked the completion of an essential rite of passage for the Pope, symbolizing his official recognition by the Italian state.
Accompanied by the presidential horse honor guard, Leo expressed gratitude to Italy, particularly for its hospitality extended to pilgrims during the 2025 Holy Year, which has significantly increased tourist numbers in Rome.The Pope's address emphasized the importance of maintaining an open and welcoming stance towards migrants while advocating for their effective integration into Italian society.
This appeal comes amid Italy's prominent role as a focal point in Europe’s migration crisis due to its proximity to North Africa, making it a primary destination for smuggling operations originating from Libya and Tunisia.Italy's current government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, has prioritized stringent measures against undocumented immigration, including the repatriation of migrants to their countries of origin or detention centers in Albania, as well as the prosecution of suspected human smugglers.
Notably, this approach contrasts with Pope Francis' longstanding call for wealthier nations to accept, protect, and integrate newcomers—a stance that Leo echoed in his first major doctrinal work last week.The meeting took place within a grand reception room at the Quirinale Palace, which historically served as the summer residence of popes until 1870.
The establishment's significance underscores the enduring relationship between Italy and the Vatican, marked by diplomatic normalization through the Lateran Treaty in 1929.
This event marked the completion of an essential rite of passage for the Pope, symbolizing his official recognition by the Italian state.
Accompanied by the presidential horse honor guard, Leo expressed gratitude to Italy, particularly for its hospitality extended to pilgrims during the 2025 Holy Year, which has significantly increased tourist numbers in Rome.The Pope's address emphasized the importance of maintaining an open and welcoming stance towards migrants while advocating for their effective integration into Italian society.
This appeal comes amid Italy's prominent role as a focal point in Europe’s migration crisis due to its proximity to North Africa, making it a primary destination for smuggling operations originating from Libya and Tunisia.Italy's current government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, has prioritized stringent measures against undocumented immigration, including the repatriation of migrants to their countries of origin or detention centers in Albania, as well as the prosecution of suspected human smugglers.
Notably, this approach contrasts with Pope Francis' longstanding call for wealthier nations to accept, protect, and integrate newcomers—a stance that Leo echoed in his first major doctrinal work last week.The meeting took place within a grand reception room at the Quirinale Palace, which historically served as the summer residence of popes until 1870.
The establishment's significance underscores the enduring relationship between Italy and the Vatican, marked by diplomatic normalization through the Lateran Treaty in 1929.
