Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended heartfelt birthday greetings to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his 70th birthday, expressing admiration for his spiritual guidance and moral clarity during challenging times.

In her message, Meloni quoted Saint Augustine: “Hope has two beautiful daughters: anger and courage. Anger that things are the way they are. Courage to make them the way they ought to be.” She emphasized the relevance of these words in the current Jubilee Year, calling for renewed efforts to build a future rooted in compassion, peace, and shared responsibility.

Meloni also highlighted the recent canonization of Piergiorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, two young Italian saints whose lives demonstrate that faith can thrive in everyday life and inspire those in public service. She reaffirmed that politics must remain a mission in service of the common good.

Concluding her message, Meloni praised Pope Leo XIV’s teachings as a source of strength and guidance, and wished him continued health, courage, and hope. She expressed confidence that the Italian people would always show affection and devotion to the Holy Father.