Pope Francis paid a surprise visit to Emma Bonino, a member of +Europa, at her home in Rome, where she was recovering from a recent illness. Responding to those who saw his passing, the Pope stated that he found the former MP "in excellent shape". Bonino claimed she was "deeply moved and full of joy" by the encounter.
In 2016, Pope Francis referred to Bonino as a "great of today's Italy." Following the meeting, the former senator expressed her gratitude: "His Holiness honoured me with his visit, which surprised and moved me greatly. His amazing humanity is always stunning, as seen by the gifts he brought me, a lovely bouquet of roses and chocolates".
Bonino was particularly moved by the Pope's initial greeting, which used the Piedmontese phrase "cerea" due to their shared regional heritage. Finally, she added: "When he told me that I represent 'an example of freedom and resistance', it was a moment of immense joy for me."