From the Vatican, 2 July 2026

Your Most Reverend Excellency,

I am pleased to convey the greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, to you, to the organizers, and to the participants of Columbanus Day, which in this 27th edition returns to Lodi, where it first began. His Holiness therefore wishes, first of all, to offer his congratulations for the perseverance with which this initiative has been carried forward over the years. It has increasingly involved the ecclesial and civil communities throughout Europe which are dedicated to Saint Columbanus as well as promoted knowledge of the great Abbot, about his spiritual legacy, and his relevance for European culture.

The Supreme Pontiff particularly appreciates the fact that, in the name of Saint Columbanus and, almost by learning from him not to keep God’s gifts to oneself but to share them with all, the Columbanian Days have helped bring together many people of different languages and nations, inviting them to rediscover together the values of the Christian tradition in order to respond to the challenges of our time.

Among these challenges, one of the greatest importance is that of peace. In this regard, the Holy Father invites us to learn from Saint Columbanus an attitude essential for every path of reconciliation, namely a penitential attitude, by which we place ourselves before God, humbly acknowledging our own faults, both personally and collectively. In particular, when a conflict has degenerated into war, with its tragic consequences of death and destruction, instead of accusing one another, it is necessary to implore mercy from God, the merciful Judge. Only divine mercy can instill human compassion in hearts and enable enemies to extend their hands to one another.

With these thoughts, inspired by the luminous figure of the holy Abbot, the Supreme Pontiff wishes every blessing for the Columbanus Day in the land of Lodi, where he recently went to pay homage to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, and he wholeheartedly sends to all those who will take part in it the requested Apostolic Blessing.

As I too wish the initiative every success, I take this opportunity to assure Your Most Reverend Excellency of my distinguished respect and remain,

Your Most Reverend Excellency’s
devoted servant,
Pietro Cardinal Parolin
Secretary of State

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 5 July 2026