Rome, Italy.- President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje led the inauguration of the Dominican Parade in Rome on Sunday, celebrating Dominican culture and recognizing the contribution of the country’s diaspora in Italy.
During the event, Abinader highlighted the nearly 6,000 Dominicans living in Rome and praised their entrepreneurial spirit, effort and resilience. He said activities like the parade help preserve traditions, promote national identity and strengthen ties between Dominicans abroad and their country.
The celebration featured music, traditional dances and clothing in the Dominican Republic’s national colors.
Abinader to invite Pope Leo XIV to visit DR
Upon arriving in Rome, Abinader announced that he will formally invite Pope Leo XIV to visit the Dominican Republic in 2027 during their scheduled audience at the Vatican.
The president said he hopes the pontiff will return to the Dominican Republic, where he previously visited as a priest. Abinader also said he will present the Pope with a gift during their meeting, although he did not reveal what it will be.
“We want to reiterate that invitation, to see if next year he will visit the Dominican Republic again, now as Pope, because he had visited it as a priest,” Abinader said.
Following Pope Leo XIV’s announcement that he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule detected at an early stage, Abinader said the invitation remains in place.