Papa Leone XIV: l'importanza della comunione, dell'unità nella Chiesa

Pope Leo XIV spoke to bishops from the Focolare Movement during an audience at the Vatican on September 9, 2026, regarding the importance of unity and communion in the Church. The Pope highlighted the work of the movement founded by Chiara Lubich, specifically addressing its chosen congress theme of witnessing to unity.

The Pope described unity as an essential element of the Focolare Movement and noted that it is a topic close to his heart. He stated that in an era of increasing polarization, the movement serves as a sign of unity for current and future generations.

During his address, the Pope mentioned the social difficulties and divisions some bishops face in their countries, including racism, religious intolerance, prejudice, and violence. He also noted that in the West, individualism is causing the breakdown of family, friendship, and community networks. He observed that modern freedom is often presented as absolute autonomy without moral or natural limits, which can leave people feeling less free to follow their highest ideals due to a fear of judgment.