Milan, 22 April (LaPresse) – ‘In these hours of grief for the death of Pope Francis, various feelings coexist. For those who believe, like me, the religious aspect is important: what is the state of health of the Church? What challenges await Catholics today? The geopolitical question, on the other hand, also concerns those who do not believe: at certain moments in history, the Vatican has played a decisive role. The most striking example is that of John Paul II, the Polish Pope who played an active role in the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Today we live in a time without credible global leaders: what legacy does Francis leave behind? And will the new Pope be able to play a role on the world stage? But now, above all, I feel the desire for personal remembrance.’ So said the leader of Italia Viva, Matteo Renzi, in his Enews today. ‘I was fortunate enough to meet the Pope many times. Francis,’ he added, ’did not like protocol. And so it happened on more than one occasion that I went to see him without telling anyone, except his bodyguards. I would leave Palazzo Chigi incognito in a small car and enter the Vatican, in Santa Marta, to talk informally with Pope Bergoglio. We exchanged views mainly on international affairs, at a time marked by attacks by Islamic extremists. I keep the content of those conversations to myself, as is right, but one detail strikes me: every time we finished talking, the Pope would accompany me to my car. Even when he had back pain (which was often the case at the time), he would hold on to the handrail, climb the stairs and wait for me to get out and get into the car. And when I said to him, ‘Holy Father, stay here, let's say goodbye now, don't worry,’ he replied that he did this with everyone and that it was a duty of hospitality.
© Copyright LaPresse
