ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Never before has peace cried out its urgency. The peace that our Constitution indicates as an inalienable goal, which Italy has always pursued, including with the important moment this year of the presidency of the G7. The peace of which the European Union is a historic expression. The peace that does not mean submitting to the bullying of those who attack other countries with weapons, but the peace of respect for human rights, the peace of the right of every people to freedom and dignity. Because it is right. And-if this reason is not deemed sufficient-because it is the only guarantee of true peace, preventing aggression against other countries of Europe. This, then, is the first wish we all extend to each other. May the New Year bring true peace everywhere.” This is one of the passages from President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella’s end-of-year address.
In his message to Italians, the head of state recalled journalist Cecilia Sala, who has been detained in Iran since Dec. 19: “We are close to her as we look forward to seeing her back in Italy as soon as possible,” he said.
And Pope Francis “to whom I send wishes full of gratitude,” with the Jubilee, has made “the call to hope resound in the world.”
Then on Italy: “Lights and shadows” affect it, Mattarella said: that is why we need to “bridge” the “gaps” and “ensuring effective fullness of rights is our task.”
“The changing climate,” Mattarella added, “also definitely affects the weather events we experience in Italy,” “we have repeated evidence of this.
And again, “Special attention requires the phenomenon of violence. It touches the whole world but becomes even more alarming when it involves our children.”
Young people “are the great resource of our country,” and “the precariousness and uncertainty felt by the younger generations must be addressed with great commitment also because therein lies a significant cause of the birth crisis we are experiencing.”
“Thus, extraordinary potential and weaknesses to be resolved are intertwined. Let us strive for a common hope that will lead us confidently into the future.”
“The Treccani Italian Encyclopedia Institute has chosen, as the word of the year, “respect.” Respect for others represents the first step towards a society that is more welcoming, more reassuring, more capable of humanity. The first step on the road to dialogue, collaboration, solidarity, elements on which our civilization rests,” the head of state pointed out.
Video source and cover image: Quirinale
