Happy Birthday Pope Leo!

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Source: Vatican Media

Birthday greetings have been arriving from all over the world for Leo XIV, who today, 14 September, turns 70. Offering them "on behalf of the Italian people, together with his sincere wishes for spiritual and personal well-being," is President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.

In his message, the Head of State highlights the Pope's "urgent appeals for a ceasefire and the resumption of the path of dialogue, for the common good of peoples," in a time when "fears have grown that the world is heading down a dangerous slope, driven by a widespread logic of domination and increasingly marked by lacerating conflicts."

"It is above all the many thousands of civilian victims who pay every day an intolerable price of blood and destruction," Mattarella writes, adding that "in the face of such anxieties, men and women of goodwill feel the urgent need for peace and justice" and that "from every continent, people look with great hope" to the Pope's words.

Quoting St Augustine, who affirmed that "we are the times," the Italian President underlines that it is the duty of all, "and in particular of those who hold public office," to work "so that circumstances may improve, reopening horizons of dialogue, justice, and concrete protection of the dignity of every person," and assures Leo XIV of the collaboration of the Italian State in his "high apostolic mission."

Greetings from the Italian Bishops' Conference

From the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) comes "the most heartfelt best wishes of the Churches in Italy," with prayers "of praise and thanksgiving for Your ministry." Thanking the Pope "for the paternal spirit" with which he "accompanies" and "encourages" the Italian Church, the bishops join him "in invoking a 'disarmed and disarming peace' in all situations of conflict that are bleeding vast areas of the planet." At the same time, they continue to draw close to peoples afflicted by suffering through actions of solidarity and human promotion, and express the hope "that the unity of intentions, voices, and prayers rising from the whole world to implore solutions of peace may soon be heard."

A letter from the President of the German Bishops

The German Bishops' Conference has also extended its greetings to the Pope. In a letter published yesterday, 13 September, its president, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, writes: "On behalf of the German Bishops' Conference, of the faithful in Germany, and personally, I extend my most sincere best wishes for your seventieth birthday, which you celebrate these days. For the new decade of life I wish you God's blessing, much strength in the Petrine ministry, and continuing good health." The head of the German bishops also recalls Leo XIV's tireless commitment to peace and asks him "not to desist in this effort and to use all the means of Vatican diplomacy so that your vision - peace for humanity - may become reality."

The affection of the Diocese of Rome

"On the occasion of Your birthday, your entire diocese joins you in gratitude to the Father for the gift of life," reads the message of Cardinal Vicar Baldassare Reina on behalf of the Diocese of Rome. "Receive our prayer and affection for all that you accomplish each day, with tireless dedication, in service of the universal Church beginning with the Church of Rome," the Cardinal continues. Sharing the Pope's concerns "especially for the many scenarios of war that are bleeding the world," he wishes "that you may realise the desires of your heart and continue to sow hope for the men and women of our time."

Drawings from the young patients of Bambino Gesù

Many drawings have reached the Pope from the young patients of the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, who in the hospital playroom, set to work with colours to wish Leo XIV a "happy birthday." In their drawings. The children combine the Pope's wish for peace for the whole world, expressed since the day of his election, with their own thoughts. Confident that the Pope can be the one to find paths of dialogue, one drawing depicts Leo saying "Don't worry, I'll take care of it" while waving a peace flag, standing between a dove with an olive branch and St. Peter's Basilica painted in white and yellow, the colours of the Vatican flag. "We love you so much, Pope Leo the Fourteenth," is the big embrace sent to the Holy Father by the children of Bambino Gesù on his birthday.

Italian Christian Workers Association walking with the Pope

"In these months since his election, we have been able to appreciate his pastoral and human qualities, and in particular his dedication to the theme of peace, understood as the synthesis of the major social and political issues of our time," write the Christian Associations of Italian Workers (ACLI) on their website. They reaffirm their "commitment to continue" along the path of faith indicated by the Pope "and to promote and defend human life in communion with the whole Church and with men and women of goodwill."

Gratitude from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart also sends greetings to Leo XIV. In a message signed by Rector Elena Beccalli, the university extends "its most sincere wishes." On behalf of the entire academic community, Professor Beccalli prays that "the grace of the Risen Lord" may guide the Pope "in his mission as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the universal Church, in the name of peace, justice, and reconciliation among peoples." "In the Holy Year of Hope," she concludes, "the university family expresses to the Pope a feeling of filial gratitude and assures him of closeness in prayer and fidelity in carrying out the educational mission to which it is called."

A guide for the Catholic University of Lublin

Greetings also arrived from the academic community of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. His life and pastoral ministry are described as a shining testimony of faith, hope, and charity, "the true pillars of Christian life," in a message sent by Rector Mirosław Kalinowski. He highlights "the profound inspiration" the university draws from the Pope's leadership. "Your paternal concern for the spiritual and moral renewal of humanity resonates deeply with our mission to unite faith and reason, to serve the Church and society through education, and to seek the wisdom that leads to God," Professor Kalinowski writes, concluding with an invocation that God may grant the Pope "strength, wisdom, and peace."

Watch a short film from Vatican Media: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AJRNWiB17c