LM Martin Horn Meets H. E. Pietro Benassi

Yesterday afternoon, Oberbürgermeister Martin Horn met Seine Exzellenz Pietro Benassi, the Italian ambassador to Germany, and Red Baron received an invitation. The reception took place at the historic Gerichtslaube (courthouse), Freiburg's oldest town hall, where an imperial diet was held in 1498.

Flying the flags of Europe, Italy, Germany, and Freiburg
 in front of Freiburg's  Gerichtslaube

When I arrived on time, I was shocked to find only a few people. Two friends of mine, Ms. Gisela Strahlendorf, former president of Freiburg's German-French Society, and  Professor Horst Buzello, president of the German-Italian Dante Alighieri Society, comforted me.

I had just started a conversation when the two protagonists arrived. The newly elected Lord Mayor greeted the Italian ambassador, insisting on the importance of Freiburg's relations with Italy. In fact, Italians love Friburgo so much that the city hosts an Italian consulate.

Horn addressed the ambassador and the "crowd."

Following his reply to Horn's speech, the Italian ambassador signed Freiburg's Golden Book.

A smiling Martin Horn is watching Pietro Benassi writing a lengthy text.

As the Italian ambassador, it is an honor to be in this beautiful city. Freiburg is a city of young people for young people. It respects its traditions and is open to innovation and research!

Many thanks to Lord Mayor Horn for this invitation!

Pietro Benassi

Suddenly I felt very old.

When Ambassador Benassi asked to see Pope Benedetto's signature - the pontiff visited Freiburg in 2011 - Red Baron profited from the rare occasion by shooting a photo of the page.

My offhand remark, "It's time for an Italian pope," H. E. Benassi answered with a diplomatic smile.

**