Rome, 14 April (LaPresse) – "Friendship between allied nations is based on respect, not on relinquishing one’s independence of judgement. Being allies does not mean accepting everything in silence, but having the courage to state clearly what one believes to be right. The bond between Italy and the United States is not in question, just as the strength of the alliance is not in question. To date, President Trump has regarded Giorgia Meloni as a courageous, determined person who has Italy’s best interests at heart. And that is true. Because Giorgia Meloni is a leader who has never been afraid to speak her mind, especially when principles, respect and identity are at stake. On Pope Leo XIV, she said what every Italian feels deeply. The relationship between Italy and the Pontiff, the head of the Catholic Church, is part of our history, our culture and a sentiment that deserves respect. In recent years, the Prime Minister has shown courage, determination and a sense of responsibility, always in the interests of our country, and yesterday she spoke not to represent a political position but a national sentiment. She simply did what anyone leading a nation must do: defend its values, its institutions and what Italians consider part of their identity.” So said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on social media.