The First Lady met with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas in Rome

On Monday, First Lady Diana Nausėdienė met with Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas in Rome, on the Caelian Hill.

During the meeting, they discussed relations between Lithuania and the Holy See, emphasizing opportunities to strengthen them through soft power measures - charitable initiatives, Caritas activities, cultural and educational exchanges, joint civil society projects, and international cooperation to reduce social exclusion.

"Lithuania and the Holy See are united by deep spiritual roots and strong traditions of fellowship. I am convinced that nurturing these ties is both our responsibility and our duty, strengthening the community of faith as well as society as a whole. Lithuania is proud of Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas' service and his devotion to faith, which has become a powerful symbol of spiritual commitment and human values not only for the faithful in our country but also for the entire international community," said Diana Nausėdienė.

The meeting took place in a symbolic location - on the Caelian Hill. In the 6th century, Pope Gregory the Great established there the first charitable dining room for the poor. Today, the site is marked by three chapels, including the Chapel of St. Barbara, where a marble table still stands.

According to tradition, St. Gregory and his mother St. Sylvia used this table to welcome 12 poor people each day. One day, an angel appeared among them, and from then on thirteen guests were received. The chapel is administered by the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, led by Cardinal Makrickas, and hosts a variety of cultural and charitable events.

Concluding her visit to the Caelian Hill, the First Lady visited the Passionist Monastery and Retreat House, a place where clergy and laypeople have long sought reflection and inner strength before life's important events.