Vatican News
Faced with the din of mutual accusations—which only intensifies the destruction and death caused by conflicts—what is needed instead is a humble and quiet plea for mercy, asking for a renewed heart capable of extending a hand to one’s enemy. This is the attitude that Pope Leo XIV calls for in a letter signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and addressed to the Bishop of Lodi, Bishop Maurizio Malvestiti, on the occasion of the 27th Columbanus Day, held yesterday and today, Jul 5, in the Lombard city.
Rediscovering the values of the Christian tradition
The Pope expressed his appreciation for the perseverance shown in sustaining an initiative that, for many years, has brought together the ecclesial and civic communities across Europe dedicated to Saint Columbanus, promoting knowledge of the abbot, his spiritual legacy, and its continuing relevance to European culture.
The letter also notes that, “as if learning from him not to keep God’s gifts to oneself but to share them with everyone,” the days dedicated to the Saint help bring together 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.”
A penitential attitude in the face of war
Saint Columbanus is also a teacher of an attitude that Pope Leo XIV describes as “indispensable” for every genuine journey of reconciliation: a penitential spirit.
“When a conflict has escalated into war, with its tragic toll of death and destruction, rather than accusing one another, we must implore mercy from God, the merciful Judge. Only God’s mercy can instill human compassion in our hearts and enable enemies to extend a hand to one another.”
The letter concludes by recalling the Pope’s recent pastoral visit to the Lodi area to pay tribute to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. – Vatican News
