EN IT ES

Blessed
Armida barelli

Blessed
Armida barelli

EN IT ES
EN IT ES

Blessed
Armida barelli

Pope Leo XIV: the Blessed Armida Barelli he had no doubts, the University had to be "of the Sacred Heart"

April 27, 2026
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We share these significant words about Blessed Armida from Speech by Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the blessing of the foundation stone of the "Heart Center - Pope Francis" at the "A. Gemelli" Polyclinic in Rome, April 27, 2026

(…) The word “heart”, for your Polyclinic, says much more, because it is in the very name of the University to which it belongs: the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.
In this regard, I'd like to recall an important historical detail. When the long-awaited moment arrived to seek state recognition for the new university, many advised Father Gemelli not to name it after the Sacred Heart, because that title would have been too devout. And the founder honestly addressed the issue. But the Blessed Armida Barelli he had no doubts: the University had to be “of the Sacred Heart”, because it was precisely to the Heart of Christ that the series of “miracles” that had made the enterprise possible were due.

Gemelli listened to his trusted collaborator and the name was also approved by the government authorities.

Today, we can say that that choice, prophetic then, is still so today, if we think that Pope Francis wanted his last Encyclical, Dilexit nos – almost a testament –, dedicated “to the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ” (…) The central message of the Dilexit nos It is, however, theological and spiritual, centered on the mystery of love in the Heart of Christ, the principal source of inspiration and support for our life and work. Like an everlasting flame, this love has inspired countless witnesses of charity in the Church, including educational and social charity. Among these we can count Father Gemelli, Blessed Armida Barelli and the other founders of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.