The Pontiff also participates in ten bilateral meetings
Pope Francis is in Puglia today to participate in the G7 which opened yesterday in Borgo Egnazia. It is the first time in history that a Pope participates in the work of a G7. He will talk about the new frontiers of artificial intelligence and the ethical and social implications of what appears to be a new revolution that will affect humanity. But he will also have the opportunity to address issues related to peace and ongoing conflicts.
“Still alive”. This is how Francis responded smiling to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who, welcoming him upon his arrival at the G7, asked him how he was doing. “Still alive”, replied the Prime Minister and the Pontiff, again in an amused tone, added: “There are two of us”. “Welcome back,” said Bergoglio, descending from the helicopter ladder and turning to Meloni who thanked him: “It gives me so, so, so much pleasure to have you here. It’s a great gift to her this presence of her. Thank you”. Getting on the golf cart in Borgo Egnazia, the Pope let out a laugh: “A good laugh,” he noted. “But me and her always,” replied Meloni.
At 2.05pm Meloni officially welcomes the Pope in the court of Borgo Egnazia. After the ritual photos, at 2.15 pm in the Sala Arena the Pope participates in the joint session and delivers the speech, which is followed by the other interventions. At 5.30pm the official photo of all participants.
Following the Pope’s other bilateral meetings: William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya; Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India; Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America; Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil; Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye; Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic of Algeria.
The helicopter with the Pope is scheduled to take off from the Borgo Egnazia sports field at 7.45pm. Landing at the Vatican heliport is scheduled for 9.15pm.
Angela Tangorra (updates by Stefania Losito)
