Dalle diocesi, i vescovi della aree interne riuniti

Bishops from Italy's inland areas met at the La Pace Center in Benevento to discuss the future of territories facing social fragility and a lack of essential services. Hosted by Archbishop Michele Autuoro, the group shared experiences and perspectives regarding regions where the distance from essential services often leads to depopulation.

The meeting reviewed work that began in Benevento in 2021 under former Archbishop Felice Accrocca, who now leads the dioceses of Assisi, Nocera Umbra, Gualdo Tadino, and Foligno. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Bologna, concluded the gathering by describing these inland areas as extraordinary resources that hold community heritage. He encouraged efforts to prevent the desertification of these regions caused by young people leaving due to a lack of conditions to stay or return.

The bishops noted that this process has become a national movement supported by the Italian Episcopal Conference and fueled by the daily work of local churches. They highlighted how dioceses act as community hubs and laboratories for the future through their widespread presence.