Chiara Lubich, the founder and president of the Focolare Movement, became honorary citizen of Turin at a ceremony in the Royal Theatre, on June 2.

In recognition of her civil passion that has found expression in concrete projects of human solidarity and social equality, dialogue and peace, the City Council took the decision to confer the award on Ms. Lubich on May 6th. Such were the ideals that inspired the original core group from Trent, which later flowered into the Focolare Movement.

The Movement began spreading in the post-war years and is now present in 180 countries. It counts Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and persons of other faiths among its members, as well as persons of good will who do not adhere to any particular religious confession.

Participating in the ceremony were the President of the City Council, Mauro Marino, Mayor Sergio Chiamparino, authorities of the city, mayors, administrators, civil and religious personalities, belonging to different Churches, representatives of other Religions, and many young people.
The Vice Mayor, Marco Calgaro, a representative of the Piemonte Region, the President of the Province of Turin, Madam Mercedes Bresso, Cardinal Severino Poletto welcomed Chiara Lubich. The Italian Senator and Journalist, Sergio Zavoli gave a long testimonial, as the Mayor of Trent, Alberto Pacher, and Doris Battistini, member of the Focolare Movement, did.

Chiara Lubich spoke on “Brotherhood in Politics”.

The Choir of the University of Turin, directed by Sergio Pasteris, ended the event with a concert.