The Ambassador of Italy, Armando Varricchio, bestowed upon Dr. Anthony Fauci the honor of "Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana" (Knight of Grand Cross, Order of Merit of the Italian Republic), conferred by the Italian President of the Republic in recognition of his exceptional career and outstanding contribution to the fight against Covid-19. Dr. Fauci is the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Chief Medical Adviser to President Joe Biden.

"Over the past year, the entire world has appreciated his rational and rigorous approach, professionalism, foresight and spirit of service, which have led him to become a point of reference for the international community in the fight against the pandemic," said Ambassador Varricchio during the ceremony, held at Villa Firenze, the official residence of the Ambassador of Italy in the United States.

Immunologist Anthony Fauci Cavaliere della Repubblica excitedly said: "My grandparents would be happy" and speaking of the post Covid: "I want to see Florence again".

The Ambassador also recalled the pivotal role of scientific research in the progress of our societies, and the very strong relations between Italy and the United States in this field.