As Pope Leo XIV celebrates his 71st birthday on Monday, September 14, messages and expressions of good wishes have been arriving at the Vatican from around the world. The presidency of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, or CEI, sent a message conveying the greetings of Italy’s local Churches and thanking the Pope for his service. The Italian Bishops recalled Pope Leo’s emphasis on the Gospel as the fundamental priority of ecclesial life and on faith as a personal encounter with Christ. They also highlighted his call for missionary communities, welcoming parishes and effective structures of participation.