from our correspondent on the Pope’s plane – He is a pope looking at Italy and the new executive with paternal attention. “The government is there for everyone and I hope it can move the country forward.” He urges the opposition parties – but also Giorgia Meloni’s allies – to take responsibility. The moment we are going through is crucial, and Pope Francis sees the risk that some allies may be tempted to steal support from the majority. “It’s okay to be critical, but don’t if you don’t like a thing or two… tell me: do you agree that Italy has had at least 20 governments since the beginning of the century? But let’s stop these jokes! ». She is positive about the prime minister’s first steps towards migrants – with the decision to settle frail women and children in Sicily. He knows that the first major test is related to the issue of migrants, and he is convinced that the problem lies at the heart of Europe. Returning to the Gulf from Bahrain after a memorable four-day trip, remember that Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain cannot be left alone: a breakdown by northern nations is required. In conversations with the international press, he also touches on other topics – Iran, Ukraine, Germany, Lebanon – but above all he focuses on Italy.
Migrants, Meloni: “Thanks to the Pope, in his words wisdom and charity”
Landings in the Mediterranean resumed. Four ships are waiting to dock off the coast of Sicily. Are you afraid that the new right-wing government could bring back the policy of closed ports?
“The principle is always the same: you have to be welcomed, accompanied, encouraged and integrated. If these steps cannot go, the path cannot be good, but it is necessary to go as far as integration. Currently four Mediterranean countries are most at risk and I am referring to Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain. Of course there are Poles, but in this case I am referring to the principle of saving lives at sea. I recently read a book in Spanish called Hermanito, it’s the story of a boy from Africa who ended up in Spain following the footsteps of his brother. Before her arrival, she experienced slavery, a dangerous journey, the violence of human traffickers and then the journey that women and men risked dying every time. Every European government should agree on how many migrants it can take; Migration policy should be consensual according to the principle of cooperation between European countries. It is not possible to leave the four most geographically exposed nations to their own devices with all the migrants arriving on their beaches ».
But what do you think will change in Italy now?
“Countries’ policy at the moment was to save the victims and it seems to me that this government has maintained that line. I don’t know the details of the situation well, I read in the newspaper, but I don’t think she wants to change anything about it, after all the new government has already landed women and children. In any case, whether with this government or with a left-wing government, Italy cannot do anything without an agreement with Europe. However, greater European responsibility would be required”.
How do you mean?
«One day Angela Merkel, a statesman, told me that the problem of migrants in Africa should be solved. If we think of this continent with the usual exploitative approach, it is clear that the migration problem remains because development plans are needed. Instead, there are some countries that are not even masters of their own subsoil as they are in the hands of the colonial powers. And that is hypocrisy. If we want to solve the problems of migrants, we should solve the problem in Africa. As? Help her “.
Now Italy is led by a woman, how do you rate this move?
“It’s a challenge. The new government is starting now and I always wish the best for a government because the government is there for everyone and I hope it can take Italy forward. And I want the others, those who are against the winning party are saying to work together with the necessary criticism and collaboration. We need a cooperative government. I call it responsibility. It’s okay to be critical, instead they drop you if you don’t like a thing or two. Tell me: do you think it’s right that Italy has had at least 20 governments since the beginning of the century? But let’s stop these jokes ».
In Iran, women are demanding freedom, they are demanding basic rights. Do you support this movement that was born with the murder of a girl who didn’t wear the veil properly?
“A society that eliminates women from public life is a society that impoverishes itself and does not advance. There are women economists who have changed the economic vision in the world because they have a different vision, because they know how to do things differently, with a complementary approach. I speak generally: there is a long way to go. I come from Argentina, where there is a male chauvinist people. This machismo is killing humanity ».
How are the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine going from the Vatican’s point of view: have you spoken to Putin?
“First of all, the Vatican is always attentive and diplomacy works well and we are always available. However, I would like to criticize one aspect that deserves consideration: in one century there were three world wars; for it is clear that this is a world war. As empires weaken, they also wage wars to sell arms. Today, in my opinion, the greatest misfortune is the armaments industry. There are statistics that say that if there were no more guns made in a year, world hunger would end. You journalists are pacifists, speak out against wars. I ask you “.
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