VATICAN CITY (RNS) In the Vatican’s Apostolic Library on March 27, Pope Francis had his first official meeting with Mario Draghi, the new prime minister of Italy. An ally across the Tiber River could prove beneficial for the Vatican, but it might require this pontificate to move its center of gravity away from the East and toward the Atlantic once again.
Good relations between the Italian leadership and the popes tend to have massive repercussions, not only in the peninsula but also within Vatican City and for the estimated 1.2 billion Catholics in the world. Francis and Draghi are both perceived as reformers, at a time when Italy and Catholicism face staggering challenges. They could become a powerful duo when it comes to the future of Europe, the environmental crisis and immigration.
Pope Francis appeared in public Friday for the first time since skipping New Year s masses at St Peter s Basilica because of a bout of sciatica.
Standing behind a desk and next to a Christmas tree and a nativity scene, the pontiff led the traditional Angelus prayers in the Apostolic Palace. I send you all my best wishes for peace and serenity in the new year, he said.
Pope Francis delivers the Angelus prayer from the Vatican Apostolic Library on January 1
Vatican State Secretary Pietro Parolin leads the Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God at St. Peter s Basilica, on January 1