ROME,On National Christopher Columbus Day, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement celebrating the legacy of the famed Genoese explorer, calling him “one of the greatest Italians this nation is proud to call its own.”
Marking the 533rd anniversary of Columbus’s historic voyage, Meloni described him as a visionary who “gave the world another world” by daring to sail westward beyond the known boundaries of his time. She likened him to a “new Ulysses,” not shipwrecked but triumphant, whose journey helped usher in the Modern Era and reshape global geography, politics, and culture.
A Legacy of Exploration and Shared Values
Meloni emphasized that Columbus’s voyage laid the foundation for the enduring transatlantic bond between Europe and America, which she described as “the core of what we call the West.” She framed the West not as a geographic space, but as a system of values—freedom, exploration, and resilience—that Italy seeks to defend and renew.
“Our mission is not to tear down statues from the past,” Meloni stated, “but to add to that history our own statues and heroes, with pride and humility.” She positioned the celebration as part of a broader effort to reclaim and strengthen Italian identity in a changing world.
Italian-American Ties and Global Recognition
The Prime Minister also highlighted Columbus’s global recognition, particularly in the United States, where Italian-American communities have long honored his legacy. She credited these communities with contributing to America’s development and prosperity, reinforcing the deep cultural ties between the two nations.
“Defending and celebrating Columbus means defending and celebrating our deep identity,” Meloni concluded, “and what makes us so loved, appreciated and respected around the world.”
TWW - The World Wide: Global News,Local Impact.