On countless occasions Pope Francis reaffirmed his closeness and – dare we say - his friendship towards the project of the University and the Hospital wanted by Father Agostino Gemelli as a concrete and fruitful sign of the presence of Italian Catholics within society.
Pope Francis wanted to be with his people until the end. This is a sign of great love, of knowing how to give oneself to others, to each one with a special deed. A clear manifestation of this is also his latest encyclical letter Dilexit nos, "He loved us", dedicated to the Sacred Heart. We cannot but be reminded that our university too is named after the Sacred Heart.
Today, Easter Monday, we are comforted by the words addressed to the women who contemplate the empty tomb with awe and fear: "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" (Lk 24:5). It is with this joyful certainty that our community turns its thoughts to Pope Francis. His figure and his teaching will not leave us and will continue to help and guide us.
Elena Beccalli, Rector of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Mgr. Mario Delpini, President of Istituto Giuseppe Toniolo di Studi Superiori
Daniele Franco, President of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
Mgr. Claudio Giuliodori, General Ecclesiastical Assistant of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore