This morning, Saturday 9 December, a delegation from the Italian Air Force was received in audience by Pope Francis in the Vatican.
The audience, held in the Clementine Hall, was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Air Squad General Luca Goretti, the Military Ordinary for Italy, H.E. Mgr Santo Marcianò, the Episcopal Vicar for the Air Force, Father Antonio Coppola, and a large delegation of military and civilian personnel from the Armed Forces, together with some family members of personnel who have passed away in recent months.
“With various initiatives you have retraced a history that mirrors that of the Nation and, at the same time, intersects the events of Europe and the world. A history that can be read from different perspectives, Pope Francis highlighted in his speech delivered during the audience. There is the perspective of scientific progress which, over these hundred years, has transformed the life of humanity. It has marked, in a special way, the world of flight, with an extraordinary evolution of means and methods; a progress that, as always, has also entailed problems and pitfalls. From very rudimentary aircraft, piloted with effort and great difficulty, one has arrived at sophisticated aerospace engineering systems that make it possible to cross the skies, carrying out complex undertakings and even reaching places in outer space. And here it must be reiterated that research, innovation and new technologies must never be subordinated to interests of power or harmful uses, but must always be directed towards the integral good of humanity, the development of all peoples and greater justice. Along this path, yours is and will remain a precious service to peace.
“Then there is the perspective of service, which is also evolving,” the Holy Father continued. “If at the beginning the presence of the military was necessary above all in the tragic time of war, today, as with other Armed Forces, the women and men of the Air Force intervene in many other contexts. I am thinking of flight safety and rescue, for which you ensure availability 24 hours a day; of cooperation with International Bodies for humanitarian and peace-support missions; of the management of serious natural disasters also in favour of less equipped countries and the most disadvantaged populations. I am also thinking of your contribution in health emergencies, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw you engaged in keeping hospitals operational, supporting the vaccination campaign and guaranteeing the air transport of the sick. Transport is also necessary in other health emergencies, or in special needs of the Nation, such as the relocation of citizens in difficulty abroad or of Authorities. It is a commitment that does you credit, from which one understands the depth of your service to the Homeland, extended to the great human family.”.
Pope Francis then concluded: “And the final perspective is precisely the human one. You defend, welcome, rescue and serve people, supported also by the ministry of the Chaplains. Moreover, you carry out training activities, offering alongside specialised expertise, imparted in your schools, the legacy of a cultural and value-based heritage, which enables you to maintain your identity as servants of the State and of citizens. Finally, you are men and women marked by great passion, commitment, courage and motivation; ready to pay your tribute of toil and, at times, of your lives, as was the case, for example, with the thirteen Italian soldiers killed in Kindu, in the Congo, during a humanitarian transport under the auspices of the UN.".
At this time, when humanity is tormented by terrible conflicts, safeguarding this human heritage represents the best guarantee that your commitment is always directed towards the defence of life, justice and peace. For all this, I entrust you, your families and your service to the heavenly Patroness, Our Lady of Loreto, whose liturgical feast falls tomorrow. I bless you from the heart. And please, I ask you to pray for me.
The event caused great emotion among the personnel of the Italian Air Force, to whom the Holy Father addressed a special greeting and to whom he gave moments of emotion and deep reflection.
