” “"Gratitude" to the Italians that, "since the day of my election, have shown to me, almost daily, with warmth and enthusiasm, their feelings of friendliness, attention and spiritual support in the accomplishment of my mission". The introduction of Benedict XVI’s speech to the president of the Republic of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, for the first time in the Vatican since the Pope’s election, amounted to a confirmation of the feelings that had already been voiced during the Pope’s visit to the Quirinal on June 24th 2005. "This deeply-felt sympathy with the Pope went on the Holy Father significantly expresses that special relationship of faith and history that for centuries has bonded Italy with the Successor of the apostle Peter, who has its See in this country, not without the wish of the Divine Providence". To ensure to the Holy See "total, visible independence" and "guarantee to it unquestionable sovereignty, even on the international scene", recalled the Pope as he quoted the Lateran Treaty, which "established the State of Vatican City", "the Republic of Italy offers, at different levels and in different ways, a precious, long-lasting contribution to its mission as the Pastor of the Universal Church". Hence the Pontiff’s thank you "to all the levels of the State for their factual cooperation to the benefit of the Ministry of Peter and the work of the Holy See".” “
