“I am sure that I represent the feelings of all Venetians in welcoming Pope Francis to our region, to Venice. His visit to the Veneto honors us and fills us with joy, taking on a value that goes far beyond the religious aspect which remains fundamental for those who live in this land”. The president of Veneto said it Luca Zaiagreeting the next arrival of Pope Francis in Venice, Sunday 28 April. “Even those who are non-believers or of other faiths – he continues – cannot fail to grasp the value of a thousand-year history and culture linked to Christianity from which our identity, our sense of solidarity and our community strength derive. Just as even the lay person recognizes the stature of the Pontiff’s personality, and finds food for deep reflection in each of his appeals. This is why we welcome him with open arms.”
Zaia recalls the salient features of those who live in this region, “In recent decades it has become one of the leading production districts in Europe and the world. A land that has experienced the drama of emigration with the diaspora of entire families but which has achieved widespread well-being with hard work, willpower, in a vision of collaboration and progress. Characteristics inherited from a rural and poor society but which was characterized by charity, simplicity, industriousness and attention towards others”.
“We are children of that tradition – continues Zaia – of ‘taking care’, confirmed by the high number of Venetians, at least 1 in 5, involved in social work”. By personally carrying out volunteer activities. “From the Evangelist Mark – he concludes – we have inherited the symbol of the Winged Lion which has its highest expression here in Venice and which is scattered throughout the Veneto. That symbol contains a message: ‘Pax Tibi‘. According to tradition, it was the greeting to the remains of the Saint who arrived in this land, but it has always also been a wish for peace. Peace that Pope Francis has never stopped defending and calling for.”
