The Holy Father Francis received today in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Mr. Sergio Mattarella, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, which took place in the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed at the good relations existing between the Holy See and Italy, focusing on some issues relation to the Italian social situation, with particular reference to the problems of the pandemic and the current vaccination campaign, the family, the demographic phenomenon and the education of the young.

Attention then turned to some matters of an international nature, with special attention to the African continent, migration and the future, and the values of democracy in Europe.

From the Vatican, 16 December 2021