The international journey of the Torch of Forgiveness and Peace continues, symbol of the universal message of reconciliation and hope that every year starts from Cascia, the city of Santa Rita. After the solemn lighting on Saturday in the local Church dedicated to the Saint of the Impossibles, the day of March 16th saw the Torch as the protagonist of two particularly relevant moments, both linked to the figure of Pope Leo XIV.
From the Pope’s University the no to war.
The first stage took place at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where the Pontiff completed his studies. Illustrating the educational context was Father Enzo Del Brocco, Passionist and director and president of the University, who underlined how the university is based on an open, intercultural and ecumenical theological vision, developed in a historical period marked by profound social and political changes. Referring to the meaning of the Torch, he declared: «Bringing the Torch of Forgiveness and Peace here is a beautiful and particularly significant sign in this historical moment marked by conflicts. Receiving it right here, in a context that has experienced profound tensions and changes, is a strong reminder of collective responsibility. It is important to remember that war is never the solution: it is always the innocent, the most fragile who suffer. This Torch is an invitation to rediscover the strength of diplomacy and dialogue, because only through discussion can lasting paths of peace be built.”
World record for the group, visit inside the Pope’s house.
Subsequently, the Torch reached Dolton, near Chicago, birthplace of Pope Leo XIV. Here the torch was lit in front of the house where the Pontiff was born and spent his childhood, in a moment of great symbolic intensity. The delegation from Cascia also had the honor of being the first group to be able to visit the Pope’s birthplace. The visit represented a moment of profound significance, ideally uniting Cascia with the land in which the Pontiff grew up, in the name of the message of peace and forgiveness that Santa Rita continues to spread throughout the world.
Santa Rita and her message, a bridge to the world.
«The Torch of Forgiveness and Peace» declared the Rector of the Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia, father Giustino Casciano «it is a concrete sign of the spiritual strength of Saint Rita’s message, capable of crossing borders, cultures and generations. His arrival in Chicago, in the places linked to the life and training of Pope Leo XIV, takes on a particularly profound meaning: it is an ideal bridge between Cascia and the world, between the testimony of Saint Rita and the service of the universal Church. Peace and forgiveness are not abstract words, but a possible path that we want to continue to light in people’s hearts.”
