President sworn in for second term

President Sergio Mattarella received an astounding 55 rounds of applause from an otherwise divided parliament Thursday after he was sworn in to a second term in office. Mattarella, 80, agreed to remain in office after Italy’s fractious parties failed to agree on a successor, citing a sense of responsibility given the ongoing pandemic and efforts to relaunch the economy.

Mattarella’s decision to remain as head of state is expected to allow the current government, headed by Premier Mario Draghi, to finish its mandate, which expires next year. The role is largely ceremonial, but can also require institutional knowledge and deft negotiations to navigate political crises.

Cecilia Fabiano / Associated Press The Italian air force displays the national colors while flying over the “Unknown Soldier” monument during the swearing-in ceremony of President Sergio Mattarella in Rome.