Reverend Father
P. Nuno da Silva Gonçalves, S.J.
Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University

On the occasion of the international conference promoted by this University on the fourth centenary of the death of St. Robert Bellarmine, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to send his cordial greetings, expressing appreciation for the important initiative aimed at deepening the thought and the fruitful cultural and spiritual activity of this zealous and wise pastor, who played an important role in the Church of his time.

Animated by sincere humility and great charity, he showed himself to be a worthy son of Saint Ignatius, in love with poverty and attentive to the needs of the most needy. A refined theologian, his studies represented a point of reference for theology, in particular for Catholic ecclesiology, and are still valid for approaching the theological debates of the time as well as for his calm style, free of polemics and aggressiveness, even in the context of the controversies provoked by the Reformation.

The Holy Father hopes that the days of reflection and confrontation may re-propose the example and the spiritual heritage of the Doctor of the Church and, wishing every success to the work of the Congress, he imparts from his heart the Apostolic Blessing to you, to the speakers and to all present, a pledge of plentiful celestial enlightenment.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness

from Vatican, 9th November 2021