A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, MARCO MARSILLI, TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, SERGIO MATTARELLA

Mr President,

On behalf of the Council of Regency, the staff of the Campana dei Caduti Foundation and myself, I would like to offer you and the distinguished delegation accompanying you our warmest welcome to the Colle di Miravalle, on a day that will remain long in our collective memory.

In truth, as has already been mentioned, “welcome” may not be the most accurate word. “Welcome back” is more fitting, as we are fully aware of your previous, much-appreciated visits to this place of reflection.

We are especially proud to welcome you again, this time as the highest authority of the Republic, and in the context of the joint centenary celebrations of Maria Dolens and Rovereto as City of Peace.

Today marks the most significant and solemn moment of our commemorations. I would also like to extend a warm greeting to the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, to the Mayor of Rovereto – a city we feel deeply connected to – to the many civil, military and religious authorities present, and to everyone who has joined us in sharing this extraordinary occasion.

Just a few moments ago, you had the opportunity to visit the exhibition The Myth of Maria Dolens, which offers an overview of the Campana dei Caduti and the work of the Foundation that bears its name. Since the beginning, two key “souls” have lived side by side within this institution. By working in close interaction, they have strengthened one another. One is rooted in the local identity of Trentino. The other reflects an outward-looking international spirit, which I would now like to briefly highlight.

Exactly one hundred years ago, as is well known, Don Antonio Rossaro had the visionary idea of transforming the weapons that had brought death and destruction to Europe during the First World War into instruments of peace. These were melted down to forge the original Bell. Since then, every evening at dusk, Maria Dolens has sounded one hundred solemn tolls – which we will soon hear – in memory of all the fallen and all victims of war, without distinction of nation, faith, religion or ethnicity.

Over the years, the desire to build partnerships with a wide range of countries has led us to welcome 106 flags to our headquarters, most of them representing states or multilateral organisations. Among them, the Council of Europe and the United Nations have granted the Foundation formal recognition. There are also flags representing unrecognised territories (such as Palestine and Tibet), ethnic groups that have endured severe discrimination (such as the Sinti and Roma), and leading humanitarian organisations (such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent).

Mr President, as I move towards the conclusion of my remarks, I would like to underline how much, in our dealings with the wider world, it means to be able to draw on your wisdom as a point of reference. At a time that is arguably the most complex and challenging since the Second World War, your leadership has been an extraordinary source of inspiration.

Through the powerful presence of Maria Dolens, the message that continues to be sent daily from the Colle di Miravalle is a clear and responsible appeal for a future shaped by peace, justice, democracy and freedom. This message resonates not only in Europe, with which we feel a close affinity and where shared values are often easier to recognise, but across the entire international community.

For your guidance and for your tireless commitment to showing us, at every moment and on every occasion, the right path to follow, please accept, Mr President, our most sincere and heartfelt thanks.

The President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Maurizio Fugatti, in conversation with the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella.