The Pope: Capital Rome was providential

"The proclamation of Roma Capitale was a providential event, which then provoked controversy and problems. But it changed Rome, Italy and the Church itself: a new story began". Pope Francis said so in the Message sent on the occasion of the start of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Roma Capitale, the text of which was read this afternoon by the cardinal secretary of state Pietro Parolin at the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome. "Rome will have a future if we share the vision of a fraternal, inclusive, open city," adds the Pope in the message. The event that opens the celebrations is attended, among others, by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and the mayor of Rome Virginia Raggi. "Rome is a welcoming, international city. A city open to all. And it always will be. Celebrating this anniversary - said Raggi - means preparing with enthusiasm for the next challenges. And opening this new phase precisely from this place of culture is the best wishes we make to the city and to Italy ".