It is the message from Sergio Mattarella that opens the 47th edition of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, which began today at the Rimini Fair. The President of the Republic, addressing the president of the Meeting Foundation, Bernhard Scholz, chose pointed words against the backdrop of an international scene marked by conflict and division. (RaiNews)
«We are living through a time in which reckless wars are being fought, inequality is growing, while extremely narrow oligarchies accumulate more power than many sovereign states», reads one of the central passages of the head of state’s message. It is a reference that Mattarella ties directly to the theme chosen this year by the Meeting, the closing line of Dante’s Divine Comedy: “The love that moves the sun and the other stars.” (RaiNews)
For the president, love cannot be regarded as merely an individual sentiment, but carries a social dimension, capable of connecting the “I” with the “you” and the “we,” breaking down isolation and closure. From this stems his call not to give in to what he describes as a “false realism,” made up of inertia, distrust and resignation. (L’Identità)
The passage most tied to current events, however, concerns the rejection of divisions. Mattarella calls for drawing on the humanity within people to counter «conformity, passivity, hatred, hostility toward those who are different, toward the foreigner» and to foster education for peace. The goal, he stresses, must be a humanity that is not shut away behind «illusory walls», but one capable of confronting injustice and suffering, and of «building new bridges». (RaiNews)
The Meeting will continue until August 26, featuring more than 500 international speakers and around 150 events. But the most anticipated moment is already set for tomorrow, Saturday, August 22, when Pope Leone XIV will arrive in Rimini, visit the Meeting, and later celebrate Mass in the port area. (RaiNews)
