Pope meets Italian president

For the first time since his March election, Pope Francis travelled to the Quirinale Palace in Rome to meet with Italyís President Giorgio Napolitano on November 14. Following a private meeting, the two leaders addressed a press conference at which it was revealed that the Pontiff had addressed the need for greater efforts in the areas of unemployment, the suffering of migrants and the stability of the family. For his part, President Napolitano praised the positive impact Pope Francis was having among numerous and diverse groups and communities since his elevation as Pope.

Until Italian unification, the Quirinale was the traditional residence of the Pope, adding an element of symbolic importance to Pope Francisí visit.