Milan, 27 November (LaPresse) – ‘As I prepare to embark on my apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon to meet with those peoples, especially my brothers and sisters in faith, encouraging paths of peace and fraternity, I am pleased to extend my cordial greetings to you, Mr President, and to the Italian nation, accompanied by fervent wishes for the spiritual, civil and social progress of beloved Italy.’ Thus wrote Pope Leo XIV in a telegram sent to the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, as he left Italy for Turkey.