Historic Day of Diplomacy: From Vatican Audience to Presidential Reception Celebrates NIAF’s 50th Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18, 2025) – Following their historic private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, members of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Board of Directors were honored to be received by President of the Republic of Italy Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome. This extraordinary day of high-level diplomatic meetings underscores NIAF’s unparalleled influence and recognition as the premier Italian American organization globally.

The presidential reception, held in celebration of NIAF’s 50th anniversary, highlights the Foundation’s distinguished position as the most trusted bridge between Italy and the Italian American community. President Mattarella’s decision to personally receive NIAF leadership demonstrates the organization’s exceptional standing with Italy’s highest institutional authorities.

The NIAF Board of Directors together with President Mattarella.  (Photo courtesy of the Quirinale Palace)

“President Mattarella’s gracious reception of our delegation represents the highest level of recognition for NIAF’s five decades of service,” said NIAF Chairman John Calvelli. “To move from a private papal audience to a presidential meeting in a single day reflects the extraordinary respect and trust that Italy’s most important leaders place in our organization and our mission.”

During the meeting, President Mattarella recognized the vital role of the Italian American community in strengthening the deep and enduring bond between the United States and Italy. He praised NIAF’s commitment to fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and shared values including democracy, freedom, and human rights.

President Mattarella addresses the group with NIAF Chairman John Calvelli.  (Photo courtesy of the Quirinale Palace)

The President acknowledged the immense contributions of Italian Americans to American society, describing the community as “a precious piece of the rich social mosaic” of the United States. He expressed gratitude to NIAF for its “constant contribution to the dialogue between the Italian American Community and the Italian Republic” throughout 50 years of activity.

President Mattarella emphasized that the relationship between the United States and Europe, particularly with Italy, represents “mutual and respectful enrichment” based on a “shared heritage of values and principles.” He cited freedom, equality, human rights, democracy, economic cooperation, and market freedom as shared objectives that serve as “a beacon of hope for many peoples of the world.”

“This presidential audience affirms NIAF’s unique position as the definitive voice of Italian Americans on the world stage,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “President Mattarella’s recognition of our community’s contributions and his confidence in NIAF’s continued leadership role validates our status as the most influential Italian American organization.”

The President praised the success of Italian Americans in every field—political, economic, cultural, and artistic—for their “great and widely recognized contribution to American progress and prosperity.” He highlighted how the success stories of Italian Americans serve as testimonies to ingenuity and dedication to work, enhancing Italian cultural and scientific tradition.

During the ceremony, President Mattarella graciously accepted the prestigious “Dea Roma” award, sculpted by historic Roman sculptor Dante Mortet, interpreting it as “a tribute above all to the Italian Republic through its president” and to the friendship between the United States and Italy.

NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini presents the Dea Award to President Mattarella together with NIAF Executive Vice Chair Daniel DiLella.  (Photo courtesy of the Quirinale Palace)

The President expressed confidence that NIAF will continue to serve its “precious role as a bridge and connection in the United States,” benefiting new generations of Italian Americans and young Italians who choose to develop their future in America.

This remarkable day of diplomatic achievements—from the Vatican to the Quirinale Palace—demonstrates NIAF’s unmatched access to Italy’s highest levels of leadership and reinforces the organization’s role as the authoritative representative of Italian American interests globally.

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CONTACT:
NIAF:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR
202-939-3116
gmileti@niaf.org

Barabino and Partners USA:
Marco Lastrico
Partner – CEO
212-308-8710
m.lastrico@barabinousa.com

About NIAF

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.