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Pope Leo’s greeting to the community of Pontifical Teutonic College of S. Maria in Campo Santo,
on the 150th anniversary of its foundation
Consistory Hall – Saturday, 3 October 2026
John 19:25-27
24 I know that my Redeemer lives and at last he will stand upon the earth;
26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then from my flesh I shall see God,
27 whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
Pope Leo’s greeting
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
Your Excellencies,
Reverend Msgr. Rector,
Dear priests of the College,
Dear members of the Archconfraternity,
Dear sisters and brothers,
I am pleased to meet you on the 150th anniversary of the foundation of your College and I warmly welcome you.
The Campo Santo’s origins as a privileged point of reference for pilgrims to Rome from the Holy Roman Empire territory date back to the eighth century.
In the nineteenth century, this place became especially important for priests from different countries when their activities had been greatly hindered, if not completely prohibited, due to the ecclesiastical policies of the Kulturkampf in the German Empire.
Thanks to the Archconfraternity of the Teutonic Cemetery, it became a place of refuge and study for German-speaking priests.
Over time, it evolved into an important center for Christian archaeology, church history, and research on Christian origins.
You can all look with gratitude at the rich fruits of this history.
Today, the College of Priests also wants to be a safe place for formation.
The clerics who live here can deepen their intellectual and spiritual journeys so that they can respond to the questions of people in their homelands in the face of great challenges.
They can also give an account of the hope within them.
(1 Peter 3:15 – in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you yet do it with gentleness and reverence;).
A special feature of your college is its proximity to the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle. Throughout its history, this institution has been closely tied to the Roman Pontiff.
This is evident in the title of “Pontifical College,” which was conferred upon it by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
Along with this honor comes a commitment to preserving this closeness and unity with the Successor of Peter and the Apostles’ faith.
Faith in Christ is the principle of unity among the faithful.
It is an essential element for the credibility of our witness, and it is for this reason that the Lord prayed for his disciples.
Make Jesus’ heartfelt plea your own, ask for this gift, so that the community of your college may be a place where this unity can be concretely practiced and made visible.
(John 17:20-21 – “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.).
For this reason, I ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
I entrust you, your college, the Archconfraternity, and the Society of Görres in Rome to your patroness, St. Mary of Mercy.
I bless you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
