Church-communion

The Focolare Movement promotes communion among ecclesial movements and new communities, fostering mutual love, knowledge and the sharing of projects together.

Chiara Lubich with a community of Franciscans. Below: ‘Together for Europe’, 8 May 2004

History

The origins of this commitment date back to the 1950s, when Chiara Lubich met with important charismatic figures of her time. There was a decisive turning point on the 30th of May 1998 in St Peter’s Square, when Pope John Paul II brought together Movements and New Communities for the first time, emphasising how they are the fruit of a charism given by the Holy Spirit for the Church. On that occasion Chiara Lubich promised the Pope that she would commit herself with all her strength, to achieving full communion among the Movements, thus beginning a journey that continues today.

Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have continued to encourage these new ecclesial organisations. During the Jubilee of the Movements on the 7th of June 2025, Pope Leo XIV expressed his hope in saying “May your associations and your communities be training grounds of fraternity and sharing, not merely meeting places, but centres of spirituality. The Spirit of Jesus changes the world because he changes hearts.”

Other Developments

The communion between the Focolare Movement and religious families, born of ancient charisms, has passed through important milestones, such as Chiara Lubich’s meeting with the Franciscan family in Assisi (Italy) in the year 2000 and with the Benedictines in Monserrat (Spain) in 2002.

The dialogue between Catholic movements has paved the way for a relationship of mutual understanding and fraternal love with Movements that have sprung up in various Christian churches. This has led to the creation of initiatives such as “Together for Europe”, a journey of communion between more than 300 movements and communities of various Christian churches working for a united and reconciled Europe. This is a collaboration based on mutual love, for the common good, with a commitment in support of life, for the family, peace, the poor, a fair economy and the protection of the environment.