An invitation from the Holy Father to renew the charism of Chiara Lubich with truth and courage, and a call to be a “people of peace” in a world wounded by divisions and wars.

The arrival of Pope Leo XIV was met with enthusiastic applause from the 320 participants in the Focolare General Assembly, who were being received in audience at the Vatican. "With that applause," recounted the newly elected co-president, Roberto Almada.— We wanted to express our joy. I was struck by her grateful and encouraging gaze towards all members of the Movement: priests, families, young people, Focolare members.

From the very beginning, Pope Leo XIV focused attention on the root of the charism: "Each of you was drawn to the charism of the Servant of God Chiara Lubich. Unity," he emphasized, "remains the central point of the gift that the Holy Spirit offers today to the Church and to the world.".

A people of peace called to be a bulwark against barbarism
The theme of peace powerfully permeated the Holy Father's address. He observed that "through you, too, God has prepared, in recent decades, a great people of peace," called today "to serve as a counterweight and a barrier against the many sowers of hatred who are dragging humanity back toward forms of barbarism and violence." These words reaffirmed the work of the Assembly, which reflected on how to contribute more effectively to restoring social bonds, overcoming polarization, and promoting dialogue and fraternity in the territories where the Movement is present.

The responsibility of the post-foundational phase
A particularly significant moment came when he addressed the historical moment the Movement is currently experiencing. Pope Leo XIV recalled: «You have been entrusted with the responsibility of keeping the charism of the Movement alive in the post-foundational phase,» a phase that does not end with the generation immediately following the foundress, but rather «extends beyond.» He invited the Movement to distinguish clearly and honestly what belongs to the essential core of the charism from what, over time, may change. He stated unequivocally that it is necessary to discern «which aspects of your common life and your apostolate are essential, and therefore must be maintained» and «which instruments and practices, although long used, are not essential to the charism… or have presented problematic aspects and, therefore, must be abandoned.».

The Holy Father's words on transparency—a "condition of credibility" and a right for all, since charism is a shared gift—have reaffirmed and reinforced an orientation already developed at the Assembly. A more co-responsible Movement is the necessary step to live unity today.

A shared renewal process: the lines of action for the next five years (2026 – 2031)
The reflection on the challenges and critical issues initiated by the General Assembly has revealed that, at the heart of many of the problems facing the Movement today, lies an immature understanding of unity, the essential core of Chiara Lubich's charism; therefore, a process of rethinking and deepening has been launched at all levels.

Within this framework, the aim is to: work to overcome divisions and polarizations through the action of Focolare communities living in the territories and "peripheries" of the world, in synergy with all who share the Gospel principle of unity, through dialogue and collaboration; support networks committed to promoting peace and education for nonviolence; develop a holistic vision of caring for the planet and people; and strengthen families and communities as places of closeness and mutual support. Alongside this, it is essential to promote the ethical and responsible use of technologies and Artificial Intelligence, involving all generations, and to value the contribution of young people and the richness that arises from the encounter between different experiences and perspectives.

With an approach based on the quality of relationships, transparency, participation and shared responsibility, the Movement renews its commitment to work to transform each place into a space for encounter and collaboration, at the service of the common good and peace.

Stefania Tanesini