Overview
- Speaking at CUAMM’s 75th‑anniversary meeting in Padua, President Sergio Mattarella urged citizens and institutions to build peace, friendship and collaboration.
- He argued that Africa-focused investment is of primary value for Italy and Europe and cited Italy’s presence at the G20 in Johannesburg and an EU–AU conference in Angola.
- He was welcomed with a long embrace from Don Dante Carraro and received multiple standing ovations from the audience.
- The event was his first public appearance since reported tensions between the Quirinale and Palazzo Chigi following remarks attributed to an adviser, a topic he did not address.
- Local authorities linked his visit to tighter security measures, including restricted ticket sales for the Padova–Venezia derby, as CUAMM showcased its work with about 2,000 staff and internships recognized by the University of Padua.