Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Holy See in Rome to Celebrate 150 Years of Konrad Adenauer
An Event Celebrating 150 Years Since the Birth of Konrad Adenauer
February 05th, 2026
On the evening of 12 February 2026, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Italian office, in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Holy See, hosts a commemorative event in Rome titled “150 Jahre Konrad Adenauer – Versöhner, Katholik, Europäer” (150 anni di Konrad Adenauer: uomo di pace, cattolico, europeo). This gathering forms part of a broad international programme marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, and offers an opportunity for distinguished participants to engage in a dialogue about his lasting legacy as a statesman, Christian believer, and pioneer of European cooperation.
The commemoration will take place at the residence of the German Ambassador to the Holy See and will be conducted with German–Italian simultaneous interpretation, ensuring accessibility for an international diplomatic and academic audience. The programme will open with welcoming remarks by the host, followed by moderated contributions from distinguished speakers. These interventions will address key phases of Adenauer’s political life and will highlight his leadership during Germany’s post-war reconstruction, his role in strengthening democratic institutions, and his lasting influence on European integration.
The discussions will centre on three interrelated themes that define Adenauer’s legacy and the broader anniversary initiative: reconciliation, Christian values, and European cooperation. Particular attention will be given to Adenauer’s commitment to Franco-German reconciliation following the Second World War, his belief in moral responsibility as a foundation of political action, and his vision of a Europe united by shared values. The event will further reflect the guiding motto of the jubilee year, “Wir wählen die Freiheit!” (“We choose freedom”), emphasizing the relevance of Adenauer’s principles in addressing contemporary political and societal challenges.
The Rome event will constitute one of more than 150 activities planned worldwide throughout 2026 to commemorate Adenauer’s 150th birthday. These initiatives will include conferences, exhibitions, academic debates, and public dialogues aimed at reaffirming his contributions to democracy, the social market economy, and European cooperation. Collectively, they will seek to bridge historical reflection with present-day perspectives, underlining the continued importance of freedom, dialogue, and international cooperation.
The forthcoming event “150 Jahre Konrad Adenauer – Versöhner, Katholik, Europäer” is expected to reaffirm the enduring relevance of Konrad Adenauer’s political vision and ethical convictions. By bringing together representatives from diplomacy, academia, and civil society, the commemoration will aim not only to honour his historical legacy but also to encourage reflection on reconciliation, faith, and European unity as guiding principles for the future.
