A square full of people from all over the world who, with the words of thanks from His Holiness, followed a spontaneous applause for the men in uniform of the Naval Squad but also, symbolically, to all the crews engaged by 18 OCTOBER 2013 in the Strait of Sicilia.
The words of the Pope were a welcome surprise for those present and for all men and women of the navy - above all the crews of the ships engaged in the sea - and received as an important testimony and recognition for every sailor who, daily, at sea, lends its service to less fortunate peoples. A recognition that also reaches those who have joined the navy in the Mare Nostrum operation: the men and women of the state police, the doctors of the Rava foundation, the doctors of the Italian relief corps of the Order of Malta (CISOM) and of the offices of maritime health, area and border (USMAF). All present aboard the ships of the navy to lend their work on the front line together with the sailors.
At the end of the general audience, Pope Francis also met the commander in chief of the Naval Squad, team admiral Filippo Maria Foffi. Admiral Foffi, as a symbol of the crew's affection and faith, brought a gift to his Holiness the Crest of the Naval Squadron with a concise dedication of affection from his crews.
Since 18 October 2013, navy ships have rescued 128.655 lives and brought 277 scafisti to justice thanks also to the work of the state police who wanted to embark a team aboard the units at sea where, in fact, begins control of those who intend to go beyond the Italian borders.
The Mare Nostrum operation is not only aid to migrants but it is also a contrast to the criminal organizations that profit from the trafficking of human beings, it is also a contrast to the illegal activities that are developed by sea, it is security for the Italian and European people. The humanitarian aspect, however, is what will remain impressed in every sailor who has taken part in this operation: touching the hearts of the people and being decisive in the lives of others is more satisfying than any other reward.
Source: Military Navy
