January 21, 2011. Benedict XVI received the leaders, officials and police officers of Rome.

Benedict XVI
“I'm very happy to be at this meeting with you, I welcome you to the house of St. Peter, this time not for work, but to meet you and gather in talks in a more intimate manner.”

As bishop of Rome, the Pope thanked them for  their work to maintain order and security of the Eternal City.

Benedict XVI
"I want to especially thank you for your work towards the development of the city. "

Benedict XVI encouraged the public institutions to reunite with their spiritual and moral roots, in order to give a new consistency to their ethical and legal values.

The Pope ended by saying that society needs  public officials to provide a good example of constructive and fruitful relationships between positive secularism and the Christian faith.

BR/AE
CTV
HC
-WP