Archbishop Mario Delpini celebrates 75th birthday during Brazil mission, honored by Lombardy

Monsignor Mario Delpini, the Archbishop of Milan, turned 75 while leading a missionary trip to Brazil. He arrived in Belém, Pará on 27 July and visited the Diocese of Castanhal, where he was hosted by the new bishop Manoel de Oliveira Soares Filho and met emeritus Bishop Carlos Verzelleri. The visit included a celebration of Bishop Verzelleri's 30 years of episcopal service and highlighted ongoing projects such as a new palliative‑care hospital.

In Italy, regional authorities praised Delpini’s leadership. Lombardy President Attilio Fontana and the heads of the Milan Chamber of Commerce and Confcommercio sent public congratulations, noting his modest style, dialogue‑focused ministry and the impact of his work on the broader community.