Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Formed at the school of the Gospel, De Gasperi expressed the faith he professed with concrete and coherent action. Spirituality and politics were two dimensions which lived side by side in his person and were the mark his social and spiritual commitment”. The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI said this in an address to members of the Council of the Alcide De Gasperi Foundation received in audience on June 20. “Spirituality and politics were so well amalgamated in him – the Pope said - that, wishing to know this esteemed statesman fully, we must go further than simply registering his political achievements, and consider his deep religious sensitivity and strong faith which vivified his thoughts and actions continually”.
The Pontiff, tracing the fundamental events of the life of Alcide De Gasperi, said “in his day, overburdened with institutional duties, prayer and relationship with God always had an important place... Indeed the most chaotic and turbulent moments marked the apex of his spirituality”. De Gasperi “honoured the Church and Italy ”, said Benedict XVI who recalling that the statesman was known for his “moral uprightness based on unswerving fidelity to human and Christian values and for his serene moral conscience which guided every political decision”. Even when he faced difficulties and perhaps misunderstanding on the part of the ecclesiastic world, “De Gasperi's loyalty to the Church was unfailing … he was independent and responsible in his political decisions, never using the Church for political ends, never compromising with his upright conscience”. The Holy Father concluded: “may the memory of his experience of government and his Christian witness be of encouragement and impulse for those who have in their hands the destiny of Italy and other peoples ”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 22/6/2009; righe 22, parole 320)
