Pope sends telegram to new Italian president

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis issued a telegram on Saturday, congratulating Italy’s new president, Sergio Mattarella. After extending his good wishes, the Pope said he hopes Mattarella will exercise his office “at the service of unity and harmony in the country.”

The Pope invoked “divine assistance” upon the new president, for  “enlightened action in the promotion of the common good, in line with the authentic human and spiritual values of the Italian people.”

The Pope concluded his telegram with an apostolic blessing for the new president and the entire country.

Mattarella was voted into office by Italian lawmakers on Saturday, with 665 votes. He comes to the presidency, having served as an Italian Parliamentarian (1983-2008) and then as a constitutional court justice.