Text of Pope Leo XIV’s blessing
On the occasion of the fourth edition of the Joaquín Navarro-Valls International Award for Leadership and Benevolence, Pope Leo XIV wishes to convey his warm regards to the organisers, speakers and participants, expressing his sincere appreciation for an event aimed at reflecting on the good accomplished by those who exercise responsibility in the service of the community. The Holy Father, whilst urging all to “join forces in building up the common good, so that humanity will never lose its beauty, and the world once again will come to recognize the human heart as the place where God desires to dwell” (Magnifica Humanitas, no. 16), expresses his hope that the example of dedication and faithful love for the Church shown by the late Dr. Navarro-Valls may inspire each person to persevere with Christian professionalism; and, invoking the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, he gladly imparts the Apostolic Blessing.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness
From the Vatican, 23 June 2026
The Navarro-Valls Award to Andrea Bocelli and Giulia Lapertosa
“On behalf of all the people who work at the Policlinico and at the Università Campus Bio-Medico,” Dr. Alessandro Pernigo, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation says, “I am happy and grateful to receive the Holy Father’s blessing, pledging our commitment to follow the Pope's invitation to ‘join forces in building up the common good.’”
Maestro Andrea Bocelli and Giulia Lapertosa have received the Navarro-Valls Award for Leadership and Benevolence. Navarro-Valls was a physician and journalist. For over twenty years, he was the spokesman of Saint John Paul II in his capacity as Director of the Holy See Press Office. To this day, his professional and human witness are a point of reference for those who seek to place their skills at the service of the community, with a spirit of dedication and an authentic sense of the common good.
The Biomedical University Foundation is a non-profit entity established under Italian law in 2015 with the aim of promoting scientific research and supporting the ongoing development of the Università and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico.