Pope Francis receives Strade Sicure soldiers: honorary Paratrooper brevet for His Holiness

During a ceremony at the Holy See, Pope Francis welcomed the soldiers of the Italian Army, participants in the operation "Strade Sicure" (Lazio and Abruzzo Group), demonstrating the deep bond between the military community and the universal values of peace and service.

The event was attended by numerous soldiers along with their families, a tangible sign of the importance the Church places on the contribution of these men and women in peace and security missions. The "Strade Sicure" operation represents a constant commitment by Italian soldiers to ensure security on national territory, monitoring and patrolling sensitive sites and targets to prevent and combat crime and terrorism.

At the end of the audience, a particularly significant moment was the presentation of the Honorary Military Paratrooper Brevet to Pope Francis by Brigadier General Massimiliano Mongillo, Commander of the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade. The symbolic gesture acknowledges the pontiff's "testimony of the universal values of courage, duty, integrity, and spirit of service, foundations of the actions of the paratroopers of the Folgore Brigade."

The Brevet with silver wings represents the culmination of an extremely selective training path, which evaluates not only the physical and psychological abilities of the candidates but also their deep adherence to the values of courage, duty, and integrity, essential for placing the common interest above personal interest.

The "Strade Sicure" operation, since December 2023 under the responsibility of the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade, underlines the importance of joint work between the Armed Forces and the Police Forces in ensuring security and public order, through the deployment of over 1,300 men across about 100 sensitive sites.

The meeting between Pope Francis and the soldiers of the Lazio and Abruzzo Group is an eloquent example of how the values of solidarity, service, and sacrifice continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire community, strengthening the indissoluble bond between the Nation, its Armed Forces, and Faith.