VATICAN - In addressing the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, the Pope mentions the distinction and autonomy between Church and State: “the Church not only acknowledges and respects it, but rejoices, as it is a great progress in humanity and a fundamental condition for its freedom and fulfillment of its universal mission of salvation among all peoples.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On the morning of Saturday, December 13, the Holy Father Benedict XVI payed a visit to the Italian Embassy to the Holy See. In the Embassy's Chapel, which has been recently restored, in the presence of the Embassy workers and their family members, after a brief moment of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, the Pope gave an address in which he recalled the figure of Saint Charles Borromeo, to whom the chapel is dedicated. He, along with his brother Federico, received the entire palace as a gift from their uncle, Pope Pius IV. The Pope reflected on the young Saint's process of maturing in the faith, which led him to a profound conversion, marked by his option for a life dedicated to evangelization. He said: “The human and spiritual closeness of Saint Charles Borromeo show how divine grace can transform man's heart and make him capable of a love for his brethren, to the point of self-sacrifice.”
Later, in the Embassy Hall, there was an official meeting. In his address, Benedict XVI recalled the visits made by three of his predecessors: Servants of God Pius XII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. After having mentioned the recent meetings with the President of the Italian Republic, the Pontiff revisited what he had affirmed in his visit to the Quirinale, namely that “in the City of Rome, the Italian State and the Apostolic See coexist in peace and fruitful collaboration.”
The Holy Father the recognized the important role “that the Italian Embassy has had and has in the intense and particular relations that are maintained between the Holy See and the Italian Republic.” He also recalled that this coming February will mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Lateran Pacts, and the 25th anniversary of the amendment to the Concordat, and lastly, he once more mentioned the “fruitful relationship between Italy and the Holy See. It is a harmony that is more than ever important and significant in the present world situation, in which the continuous conflicts and tensions between peoples makes for an ever-growing need for collaboration among all those who share the same ideals of justice, solidarity, and peace.”
He continued: “This brief visit is an opportunity to mention how the Church is well aware of the fact that 'part of the fundamental structure of Christianity is the distinction between what is of Caesar and what is of God, that is, the distinction between State and Church.' The Church not only acknowledges and respects it, but rejoices, as it is a great progress in humanity and a fundamental condition for its freedom and fulfillment of its universal mission of salvation among all peoples. At the same time, however, the Church sees it as her duty, in accord with the mandates of her own social doctrine, which is argued from 'that which is in conformity with the nature of every human being,' to awaken the moral and spiritual forces in society, contributing to the opening of wills to the authentic demands of the good. Thus, recalling the value that many fundamental ethical principals have for not only private life but for public life as well, the Church in fact contributes to guaranteeing and promoting the dignity of the human person and the common good of society, and in this sense, an authentic cooperation between Church and State can exist.”
The Pope concluded his address by encouraging all those who work in the Embassy to find in Saint Charles Borromeo, “a constant protector, and at the same time, a model to inspire them in carrying out their daily duties.” He also wished a blessed Christmas “to the Italian authorities, beginning with the President of the Republic, and to the entire people of this beloved peninsula. My greatest desire is for peace in all the nations of the earth... And my wishes for light and authentic human progress, prosperity, and harmony, all of which we aspire to with trusting hope, because they are gifts that Jesus has brought into the world by His birth in Bethlehem.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2008)