Pope Francis’ visit eases return of Italian Amb. to Cairo

CAIRO – 15 August 2017: Italy’s decision to return its ambassador to Cairo after more than a year of recall was seen as the fruits of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the country which sent global message that Egypt is a peaceful and safe place for everyone.

Wide media coverage by Italian newspapers and channels had accompanied the head of the Roman Catholic Church’s first visit to Egypt, where they praised the security measures adopted during the mass presided by Pope Francis in the presence of more than 25,000 Egyptians from six different Catholic sects at the Air Defense stadium.

The Spanish newspaper EL PAÍS said that the Pope’s visit was a full recognition by the Vatican of the importance of Egypt in the world, urging that the return of the Italian ambassador to Cairo is necessary.

The newspaper pointed out that Pope Francis went to Egypt despite the recent attacks on two churches in Tanta and Alexandria, which reflected his holiness’ confidence in the Egyptian security. They noted that the killing of Italian student Julio Regini in Egypt was just an "accident" that did not require recalling the Italian ambassador.

The Italian researcher’s body was found with signs of torture on February 2, 2016 after disappearing on the 5th anniversary of the January revolution in Egypt.

Many Italian media outlets have also lauded the great efforts of Egyptian police in securing the visit, and highlighted the pope’s refusal to ride an armored vehicle, a sign of safety and peacefulness of the country.


Moreover, the former Diplomatic Advisor to the Italian president, Antonio Zanardi Landi, has urged the return of Italian ambassador to Egypt, noting that it is illogical to allow media in both countries to do the job of politicians.

He stressed that Egypt has a major role in the Middle East and the North Africa, pointing out that both countries need each other equally.

Landi added that returning an authoritative liaison (ambassador) will help, through contacts with the Egyptian authorities, reinforce judicial cooperation and as a consequence the search for the truth.

Nicola Latorre, the head of the Italian Senate's defense commission, has called for sending back the ambassador to Cairo for several months.

"There is a need to return the Italian ambassador to Egypt at the moment. I think we should strengthen the diplomatic presence of Rome in Cairo to tackle the important issues of common interest," Latorre said in an interview with Italian daily La Stampa.

He added, "The truth about Regini’s death has nothing to do with the ambassador's return to Egypt."

Latorre warned that the lack of diplomatic coordination between Egypt and Italy will have negative consequences even in the Regini case. He stressed that Italy and Egypt have a strong economic and political partnership that should not collapse for a particular issue.

The Italian Foreign Ministry Angelino Alfano announced, in April 2016, that it had recalled its Ambassador in Cairo, Maurizio Massari, to Rome for consultation. In May 2016, the head of the Italian government, Matteo Renzi, announced the appointment of Giampaolo Cantini, a non-resident ambassador diplomat in Egypt.

Alfano did not say exactly when Giampaolo Cantini, its new ambassador to Egypt, would return to Cairo.