(Adnkronos) – Foreign minister Antonio Tajani praised Pope Leo on Monday, calling him “a strong”, “determined” and “courageous” man who is committed to world peace and “defends the fundamental values of the Christian faith”.
“I have the utmost respect for the Holy Father, a strong, determined man who has spoken of faith and peace ever since the very first day he was elected Pope,” Tajani told reporters during a visit to Beirut.
Tajani’s visit for talks with top Lebanese officials is aimed at boosting diaologue with Israel and underlining Italy’s desire for a ceasefire in the over-40-day-old US-Israel war against Iran and freedom of navigation in the key Strait of Hormuz oil conduit.
“As a Christian, I believe in and deeply share Leo’s views when he says that peace is a commitment that concerns each and every one of us,” Tajani continued.
Tajani’s comments came after US president Donald Trump in a lengthy post on Sunday branded Leo as “weak on crime” and “terrible on foreign policy”, claiming he was only head of the Catholic Church because Trump was “in the White House”.
“The Pope speaks of the Gospel, and the Gospel is a message of constant peace; therefore, I wished the Holy Father a fruitful mission in Africa,” Tajani said, referring to Leo’s 11-day trip to four African countries, which began on Monday.
“Africa is a continent of crucial importance for the stability of the Mediterranean and the Gulf regions,” added Tajani, saying he agreed with Leo “both with regard to Lebanon and with regard to peace throughout the Middle East.”
“The Holy Father’s words encourage us and are a source of inspiration for my government’s work too,” Tajani went on.
“He is therefore a strong, courageous man who defends the fundamental values of the Christian faith and defends – because it is his duty to do so – peace in the world.”
