Pope Francis addresses Focolare Movement bishops

In brief

Pope Francis addressed bishops who are friends of the Focolare Movement during a spiritual meeting on September 9, 2026. The Pope welcomed the group, noting that the bishops gathered from various countries and backgrounds under the Work of Mary.

The Pope spoke about the congress theme, "giving witness to unity," which he identified as a central element of the movement founded by Chiara Lubich. He stated that the task of witnessing to unity is even more urgent today.

Francis noted that many bishops face difficult social situations in their countries, including prejudice, racism, religious intolerance, and violence. He also mentioned that in the West, individualism is causing the fragmentation of networks of family, friendship, and community.