The magisterium of Pope Francis completed 10 years this Sunday, after the first mass of his pontificate on March 19, 2013, with the anniversary of the first Latin American pontiff deserving congratulations from Italian institutions.
The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Matterella, sent him a letter thanking him for his “fundamental work” at the service of the Catholic Church in the world.
“His pastoral action defended the centrality of the person, with his inalienable rights and his inescapable duties and responsibilities for the protection of the planet, the common home of all humanity”, said Matterella.
Francis was elected pope in a conclave on March 13, 2013, but only six days later did he officiate the so-called “Mass at the beginning of his pontificate” before numerous heads of state or government and delegations from 132 countries.
With this mass, in St. Peter’s Square, he officially began his teaching career, receiving the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring, symbols of papal power.
Furthermore, coinciding with Saint Joseph’s Day, he congratulated his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who had completed his historic resignation.
On the occasion of this first decade, Pope Francis also received a congratulatory message from the presidents of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, the second and third highest positions in the Italian state.
“His work and his daily prayer are a source of calm and encouragement for millions of people,” said Senate President Ignazio La Rusa.
The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, expressed his gratitude for his “work of mercy directed at the poorest and defenseless” and for his fight against “social marginalization and for the search for peace”.
