ICAEW President Derek Blair, who took up the role earlier this month, joined a special delegation of chartered accountants from all over the world in a unique audience before His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Held in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Wednesday 11 June, the Papal Audience was the centrepiece of the Jubilee of Accountants celebration. Honouring the work of finance professionals, the event formed part of the Catholic Church's current Jubilee Year: a festival of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal that takes place in Rome and the Vatican every quarter of a century.

The gathering came the day after the annual conference of Italy’s membership body for accountants, Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabile (CNDCEC – known in English as the National Council of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts). Attending with ICAEW Director, Europe, Christiana Diola, Blair – who had joined the conference on the invitation of CNDCEC – heard from a wide variety of senior and globally recognised professionals, along with policymakers and other stakeholders.

Among the topics that speakers explored was the central role of chartered accountants in national reforms around taxation and business crises, the economic impact of global shocks and systemic risks, and how accountants, lawyers and doctors can work together to help shape Italy’s future. Other subjects that surfaced at the event were artificial intelligence (AI), growth and productivity.

Featured speakers included CNDCEC President Elbano de Nuccio, Accountancy Europe CEO Eelco van der Enden and Italian Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti.

Blair said: “It is an honour to have been invited to participate in the CNDCEC’s annual conference. Many of the themes discussed are common to both our countries: how we can unlock growth and competitiveness, boost the attractiveness of the profession and harness technologies like AI to increase innovation and productivity.”

He added: “In increasingly volatile times internationally, it is critical that our profession stands together globally and we thank the CNDCEC for this valuable opportunity to exchange views.”

As the programme unfolded, Blair visited the British Embassy in Rome, as well as a number of ICAEW members.

The following day, Pope Leo XVI issued a statement to coincide with the Papal Audience, highlighting the value that accountants bring to the economy and society – and the importance of professional ethics.

“I welcome the pilgrimage of Italian and international chartered accountants and accounting experts,” he said. “You play a significant role in managing financial resources and supporting businesses and individual citizens. I encourage you to carry out your work with integrity and responsibility, contributing to the wellbeing of society and economic growth in an ethical and fair manner."

In response, de Nuccio said: “With a sense of gratitude for the welcome received, the blessing given and the prayer shared. Accountants from all over Italy, along with the international representation, unite on this Jubilee Day to renew collectively our wishes for the new pontificate, hoping for serenity, peace and prosperity to be restored and achieved through ethical and social commitment, with support given in every action and endeavour. Together for this personal and professional community journey. With respect and gratitude.”

Italian accountants: join us

CNDCEC members may be eligible to join ICAEW through the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive. Find out how to apply.