I Romani Pontefici al Circolo San Pietro – Allocuzioni, Discorsi, Lettere, Autografi – Un prezioso Magistero

On Monday, the presentations of our book, “I Romani Pontefici al Circolo San Pietro – Allocuzioni, Discorsi, Lettere, Autografi – Un prezioso Magistero,” began with a special preview at Sala Clementina -Clementine Hall- of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. During this event, Pope Francis browsed the book for the first time and shared important and touching words to introduce it, highlighting the importance of the work that the Circolo di S. Pietro has been doing daily for 155 years.

The volume, which required two years of intense work and passionate research, is an act of love towards the members of the Circolo S. Pietro. It serves as an invitation to return to the roots to encourage them in their active service towards the poor and needy. Monsignor Franco Camaldo, Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Sodality, succeeded in capturing the very charisma of the Circolo—from its foundation on April 28, 1869, to the present day—by collecting and publishing, with rich photographic documentation, the speeches, allocutions, autographs, and letters that the Roman Pontiffs have addressed to the Sodality during the annual Papal Audience and other moments of encounter, from 1869 to the present day. Notably, four Pontiffs have been members of the Sodality: Benedict XV, Pius XI, the Venerable Pius XII, and Saint Paul VI.

On Tuesday, a private preview was held at our headquarters along the Via Appia Antica, where Salvatore Giorgio Dino and Monsignor Franco Camaldo unveiled not only the precious volume but also its counterpart in a limited and numbered edition of twenty copies. This edition is bound in red leather and adorned with a sculpted cover in embossed copper and 24-carat gold, depicting the emblem of the Circolo.

These two important days preceded the Official Presentation at the Galleria of Palazzo Colonna in the heart of Rome.

The presentation was opened with greetings from Prince Prospero Colonna and the President of the Circolo S. Pietro, Niccolò Sacchetti, and was moderated by RAI journalist Ignazio Ingrao. Touching messages and words on the importance of preserving and transmitting the testimonies contained in the book “I Romani Pontefici al Circolo San Pietro” were delivered by His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, Gianni Letta, His Excellency Most Reverend Monsignor Sergio Pagano, and His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Angelo De Donatis.

A special thanks to the Circolo di S. Pietro, Monsignor Franco Camaldo, and to all who participated with us in the presentations.