This morning, Pope Francis surprised many with a visit to Emma Bonino, recently released from the hospital. This gesture was greeted with enthusiasm and joy, so much so that those close to Bonino described it as “an unexpected courtesy visit and a pleasant surprise.” At the end of the meeting, when asked how he found the former exponent of +Europa, the Pope replied: “Very good!”.
“With great surprise and full of emotion, His Holiness paid me a very welcome visit,” Bonino shared on Instagram. She also highlighted the extraordinary humanity that always emerges from the Pontiff. During the visit, Pope Francis gave her a bouquet of roses and chocolates. Bonino expressed her admiration for the strength and understanding shown by the “cerea” greeting, a reference to their common origins. The phrase “you are an example of freedom and resistance” filled her heart with joy.
The dialogue between Pope Francis and Emma Bonino has developed over the years, with the topic of migrants often at the center of their conversations. In February 2016, the Pontiff included Bonino among the “greats of Italy today”, together with illustrious figures such as former President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano. The Pope recognized the importance of Bonino’s contribution to Italy’s understanding of Africa. Francis said that despite differences of opinion with the Church, what matters is “looking at people and what they do.” Today, therefore, the Pope showed affection toward a person he particularly esteems.
The Pope’s day began at the Pontifical Gregorian University, a prestigious university that has educated numerous saints and Popes. During his speech, Francis highlighted the importance of education as a fundamental right and drew attention to artificial intelligence. He warned: “No algorithm can replace poetry, irony and love,” stressing that students must learn to get in touch with their emotions. The Pontiff concluded by reiterating the need for a university that respects differences and embraces contamination, underlining the importance of maintaining a deep connection with society. In an ever-changing world, gestures like the Pope’s today not only strengthen personal bonds but also offer food for thought on the role of community and education in fostering fundamental values.
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