How does the Audience at the Diplomatic Corps take place?
The Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, made up of ambassadors and representatives, with this meeting held in the Vatican, officially brings the new year greetings to the Pope. Normally, the most "senior" diplomat speaks: he speaks and extend greetings to the Holy Father on behalf of all colleagues. This year it was the ambassador of Cyprus, the dean Georgios F. Poulides. At this point the Pope replies, addressing the usual message to all members of the Diplomatic Corps.
What can you tell us about Luxembourg, your country of origin?
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but it was among the founding nations of the ECSC, together with Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Even today, in all institutions, the role of Luxembourg is significant and very often it is precisely this small nation that proves to tip the scales in many situations.
As a Salesian, what value does being part of the Diplomatic Corps have?
Representing Luxembourg at the Holy See permits me to get in touch with other ambassadors and bodies, such as FAO. This means that a network is created, which allows me to get to know the reality of a country more closely, to understand its dynamics and needs more deeply and, starting from this, better understand how to act.
What is the greatest satisfaction derived from being part of the Diplomatic Corps?
Certainly, the possibility of being able to meet Pope Francis more often and hear him speak about issues which, as Salesians, are of particular concern to us. In his latest message to the Diplomatic Corps, the Pope dedicated a large part to the dignity of young people, to human rights, to ecology: all of which are very dear to us. Furthermore, he encouraged young people to put themselves at the service of the community and to be upright citizens, which is nothing more than the message of the 2020 Strenna of the Rector Major.
