Message of the Holy Father

Dear brothers,

Since I am unfortunately unable to meet you, I send this message on the occasion of the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, as well as the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco's first missionary expedition to Argentina.

I greet the new Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, wishing him fruitful work, and I thank Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime for the service he has rendered to the Institute over these years and now offers to the universal Church.

Even from a distance, I wish to encourage you to live this time of listening to the Spirit and synodal discernment with confidence and commitment.

You have chosen, as the theme for your work, the motto: “Salesians passionate about Jesus Christ and dedicated to young people”. It is a beautiful program: to be “passionate” and “dedicated,” to allow yourselves to be fully embraced by the love of the Lord and to serve others without holding anything back, just as your Founder did in his time. While the challenges you face today are partly different from those of the past, the faith and enthusiasm remain the same, enriched by new gifts such as interculturality.

Dear brothers, I thank you for the good you do throughout the world and encourage you to continue with perseverance.

I heartily bless you and your capitular work, as well as your confreres scattered across the five continents, and I kindly ask you to pray for me. May Mary Help of Christians always accompany you.

From the Vatican, April 2, 2025

FRANCIS