Attending the meeting with the 11th Successor of Don Bosco were Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco; Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, Archbishop of Dili, East Timor; Cardinal Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, Archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay; and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Emeritus Secretary of State.

Regrettably, due to prior commitments, another Salesian cardinal who participated in the Conclave, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, was unable to attend.

The fraternal gathering began with a moment of prayer in the "Chapel of the Letter," which was recently restored at the Central Headquarters. On this occasion, Fr Attard thanked the Lord for the Cardinals' contribution to the Church—through the various roles and responsibilities they hold; for their participation in the General Congregations and the Conclave—moments of dialogue, frankness, and listening to the Spirit for the whole Church; and for the election of the Holy Father Leo XIV, the new guide for all the faithful.

Afterwards, the cardinals gathered in a spirit of genuine Salesian fraternity for a time of dialogue and exchange.

Before the community meal—which was attended by all the Salesians working at the Central Headquarters—Fr Attard spoke again to greet and pay simple and heartfelt tribute to the five special guests, once more highlighting the importance of their witness and their work, a source of pride for the Congregation of St Francis de Sales and an inspiring model for all those who want to follow Jesus in the way of Don Bosco.

In his brief address, he also promised his personal support, as well as that of the entire Congregation and the Salesian Family, for the ministry and service that the cardinals continue to offer for the good of the Church and the growth of the Kingdom of God.

On behalf of the community, he presented them with a small gift, similar to the one given to all members of the recent 29th General Chapter: a medal of “Our Lady of Don Bosco,” Mary Help of Christians, accompanied by another fraternal reminder—the message Don Bosco entrusted to his missionaries: “Be devoted to Mary Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are!”

Following a festive meal marked by the customary informal Salesian spirit, the cardinals gladly posed for a group photo with all the Sons of Don Bosco present.

Finally, before bidding them farewell, Fr Attard offered one last, heartfelt message to the Salesian cardinals: “When you are in Rome, this is your home!”

Overall, the meeting between the Rector Major and the Salesian cardinals was a truly fraternal, Salesian, and cordial gesture, aimed at expressing the Congregation’s affection for them, and at welcoming, accompanying, encouraging, and supporting their mission.

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