On 10th April 2013, a delegation from the NATO Defense College (NDC) had the honour of attending the weekly General Audience with His Holiness Pope Francis.
Senior Course 122 (SC 122) and the ninth NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC 9) were joined for this important occasion by family members, Faculty Advisers and College staff.
The Papal Audience is regarded as a vital part of the NDC academic programme: Course Members, regardless of their religious beliefs, receive the Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father. It is a uniquely enriching experience, offering participants from a variety of cultural backgrounds an opportunity to experience at first hand the spiritual significance of Catholic institutions and customs. The event is also a powerful symbol of the constant dialogue and firm friendship between NATO and its partner countries in many different parts of the world.
During today’s address, Pope Francis welcomed the different delegations present at the event and personally thanked the group from the NDC for its participation. His Holiness expressed the wish that the College’s activities might contribute to a safer and more peaceful world.
After the Papal Audience, the NDC group were able to admire the wealth of great art which brings visitors from all over the world to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
For NRCC 9, the Papal Audience will be followed in the next few days by visits to the homes of other major religious communities in the city of Rome: in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect, Course Members will be welcomed at the Great Synagogue and at the Great Mosque of Rome, which is the largest in Europe.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Francesca Blasi, ITA C)
NATO Defense College 