On Tuesday, July 8 at 6:00 PM, at the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See, the book “Ho amato la Chiesa” by Monsignor Hilary C. Franco was presented. A veteran of Vatican diplomacy and a privileged witness to over sixty years of Church history, Monsignor Franco shares memories of some of the most fascinating figures he encountered over the years: U.S. Presidents, foreign Heads of State, and saints such as Padre Pio and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
From the Bronx, he found himself working with some of the most authoritative and influential figures of the Catholic Church.
Following an introduction by Francesco Di Nitto, Ambassador of Italy to the Holy See, Monsignor Hilary C. Franco—Counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations—spoke about his encounters with the last six Popes, from Saint John XXIII to Pope Francis, and with world leaders. Joining him in the discussion were Antonio Zanardi Landi, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Holy See, journalist Fausta Speranza, and Vatican correspondent for TG1, Ignazio Ingrao. The event was moderated by Giulia Tosana of the Cortile dei Gentili Foundation.