To His Most Reverend Excellency
Archbishop Mario Delpini of Milan
President of the “G. Toniolo” Institute of Higher Studies

From the Vatican, 12 April 2026

Your Most Reverend Excellency,

The Holy Father Leo XIV, who is about to depart for an Apostolic Journey in four African countries, has entrusted me with the task of sending you this message on the occasion of the Day of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.

The theme chosen for this 102nd anniversary invites us to reflect on “The experience of knowledge”. To this end, it may be helpful to start from Saint Paul’s famous words in his First Letter to the Corinthians: “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Cor 13:2). What does it mean that without love, possessing all knowledge is useless? This is not merely paradoxical language intended to highlight the value and importance of love. Rather, it points to a perspective that can help us even today to understand what the experience of knowledge truly is. The Apostle’s witness prompts us to explore at least three aspects.

First of all, we are reminded that knowledge stems from love for knowledge, for the act of knowing is the result of a desire and a very specific stirring of the human soul, even before the application of intelligence. To remember this principle is fundamental, both to promote a formation that does not create short circuits or the instrumental and ideological use of knowledge, and to ensure a form of knowledge which, by recognizing the truth and the good present in the reality of things, can also be translated into a wisdom of life.

Secondly, it is useful to keep in mind that such knowledge, arising from love for what one studies and with which one engages, fosters the full development of the ability to learn in an increasingly complex context that requires constant interaction between different fields of knowledge. Reflecting on the role of educational institutions, Pope Francis offered some guiding principles for developing an appropriate approach: “a fresh experience of the kerygma, wide-ranging dialogue, interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches, the promotion of a culture of encounter, the urgency of creating networks and an option in favour of those who are least, those whom society discards. Similarly important is the ability to integrate the knowledge of head, heart and hands” (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus vivit, 222). They are all elements that highlight the need to expand the horizons of knowledge in order to achieve, always within the logic of love, a fascinating and meaningful experience of knowledge. Only open knowledge, developed with this dynamism, can contribute to the common good and overcome the many distortions caused by research geared solely towards economic profit and the objective of domination. Knowledge that is not guided towards encounter and justice is at the root of many evils, as attested by the troubled history in which we are immersed.

Finally, thinking of our time and of the advent of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, which has a very pervasive impact also on the forms of knowledge, it appears clear that the processes of knowledge cannot be reduced to the production of increasingly powerful algorithms but, on the contrary, require an adequate level of human responsibility and ethical evaluation. Pope Leo XIV reminds us that “as Catholics, we can and must contribute to this effort, so that individuals – especially young people – can acquire critical thinking skills and grow in freedom of spirit”. Indeed, “just as the industrial revolution called for basic literacy to enable people to respond to new developments, so too does the digital revolution require digital literacy (along with humanistic and cultural education)” (Message for the 60^th World Day of Social Communications) to understand and govern the workings of AI.

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart is able to offer a qualified and meaningful “experience of knowledge”, faithfully and creatively developing the inspiration of Father Agostino Gemelli and Blessed Armida Barelli: recognising that “Christ-Wisdom is both the most essential aspect of our faith and the most universal aspect of human intelligence. Therefore, wisdom, understood in this way, is the natural place of encounter and dialogue with all cultures and forms of thought” (Message to the 28th General Assembly of the FIUC, 21 July 2025). The launch of the new strategic plan, the development of the Africa plan, the numerous initiatives to spread and promote a culture of solidarity at national and international level, as well as the commitment to deepen the vision of the Church’s social doctrine in the various fields of knowledge, fostering its development in the face of unprecedented challenges, are characteristics of a university called to interpret the Gospel in the educational and cultural spheres, in constant dialogue with the Magisterium of the Church.

Confirming the affectionate and trusting gaze of his venerable predecessor Pius XI and appreciating the commitment of the University of Italian Catholics, the Holy Father has decided to allocate a contribution to this worthy Institute of Higher Studies, with particular thought for deserving students who have fewer opportunities. Whilst renewing his closeness and paternal guidance, Pope Leo XIV expresses his gratitude for the prayers offered for his ministry and cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing to Your Excellency, the Rector, the General Ecclesiastical Assistant, the members of the Toniolo Institute, the distinguished Professors, the technical and administrative staff, and all the students.

I take this opportunity to confirm, with the utmost respect,

Your Most Reverend Excellency

yours devotedly in the Lord

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 19 April 2026