The Reverend Massimo Fusarelli, OFM Minister General

Curia Generale <lei Frati Minori (OFM) Via S. Maria Mediatrice

00186 Roma

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends prayerful good wishes to all celebrating the fourth centenary of Saint Isidore's College in Rome. He willingly unites himself with those giving thanks to Almighty God for the countless number of people that the College has formed and influenced over these past four centuries in serving the educational mission of the Church.

In this regard, His Holiness gladly acknowledges the significant contributions made by so many Irish Franciscans to theology and wider scholarship, as well as to pastoral ministry, since the founding of the College in 1625 by the Venerable Luke Wadding, OFM. The benefits of this far-reaching legacy can be felt not only by the community and the wider Franciscan family, but by the people of Ireland and, indeed, the universal Church herself.

It is with gratitude, then, that Pope Leo XIV encourages the present generation of friars to carry on the mission of Saint Isidore's and to build on its past achievements. In this way, the College will surely remain a "gateway to a civilization of dialogue and peace'' (cf. Homily of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the Jubilee for Education, 1 November 2025).

With these sentiments, His Holiness entrusts to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Isidore all associated with the College, that they may always experience the joy of knowing that they are loved and called by Christ.

Upon the Community and those participating in the anniversary celebrations, the Holy Father cordially imparts the requested Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of spiritual closeness in the Lord.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

From the Vatican, 12 November 2025