The affection of the Italians, the prayers of the Catholic communities, the best wishes of the institutions. After the announcement of Leo What is also striking, in the words of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is the serenity with which the Pope shared the news with the faithful.
The President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella sent him a message expressing the sentiment of the country. “Your announcement at today's Angelus was welcomed with participation and emotion by all the Italian people,” writes the head of state. In view of his hospitalization, the Pontiff receives "the affectionate thoughts of all Italians", to which Mattarella adds his own. A closeness which, he underlines, goes beyond religious affiliation: "She will be able to count not only on the prayers of the Catholic faithful, but also on the sympathetic thoughts of countless people, in Italy and from every part of the world, whether they are believers or non-believers". The message concludes with the wish for "a peaceful convalescence" and a "prompt and complete recovery".
Meloni expresses his personal closeness and that of the government "for the test that he will be called upon to face in the coming days". And he adds: "The serenity and tranquility with which he spoke about it in today's Angelus hearten us." The Prime Minister says she is certain that the Italian people will not lack support and affection for the Pope.
Best wishes also arrive from the presidents of the Chambers. Ignazio La Russa hopes that the surgery can take place in the best possible way and sends, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Senate, "an affectionate wish for a speedy and complete recovery". Lorenzo Fontana assures prayers and closeness: "We accompany him in these days with all our affection, always grateful for his constant commitment and for his words."
The solidarity of the institutions is joined by that of the Italian Church. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna and president of the CEI, welcomes the Pontiff's invitation to spiritual closeness and ensures remembrance in the celebrations and moments of prayer of the communities. “We thank Pope Leo for the simplicity and trust with which he made us participate in this trial,” he says. Then he addresses Prevost directly: “We are a family: Holy Father, you are not alone!”. The Churches in Italy, he adds, accompany him with prayer and affection so that the surgery goes well and he can face it with serenity and strength.
“We pray for him, that's what he asked us to do, that's what we do,” says Cardinal Mario Grech, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops. Davide Prosperi, president of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation, invites the movement to recite the Rosary, in community and family, for the Pope and his intentions. The Renewal in the Spirit also expresses solidarity and hopes that Leo XIV can recover soon. The lay employees of the Vatican, through the executive of their association, join in praying for his health and wish him to resume his pastoral mission soon.
An applause of solidarity for the Pontiff closed the Forza Italia event "The optimism of the will" in Milan. Antonio Tajani asked it: "We are close to Pope Leo". The deputy prime minister and foreign minister had already written on Matteo Salvini and the League express affection and wishes for a speedy recovery, accompanying the Pope "with thoughts and prayers in these delicate days".
Maurizio Lupi, president of Noi Moderati, recalls the Pontiff's service to the Church and humanity and his commitment to peace and to the most fragile. Minister Elisabetta Casellati hopes that she can resume her ministry as soon as possible, continuing to spread a message of peace, hope and brotherhood. Francesco Battistoni, deputy of Forza Italia and secretary of the Presidency of the Chamber, defines the serenity and frankness of the announcement as "a model of great moral strength".
