A true source of pastoral encouragement, the fruit of a profound understanding of the times we are living in: this is how we perceived the words spoken by Pope Leo XIV at our meeting with him on the 21st of March. It was a moment of special grace and deep joy that left an indelible mark on the hearts of the 300 participants at the audience in the Vatican. We had just concluded the General Assembly, which is convened every five years to elect the President, Co-President and governing body of the Work of Mary – Focolare Movement, and we have taken the Pope’s words to heart as a source of wisdom for the future and for the service we are called to offer today to the Church and to the world.
The Pope began by acknowledging the gift that the charism of Chiara Lubich represents for the Church: a gift that has shaped the lives of so many people, families, consecrated persons and priests, and which continues to bear fruits of communion, of dialogue and of peace in the most diverse contexts. At the same time, he has located this gift within the living dynamics of history, reminding us that every charism is entrusted to the responsibility of those who receive it and are called to live it out in ever-new ways.
Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed for us the essence of our charism: unity. A unity that does not stem from organisation or strategic planning, but which is “the fruit and reflection of Christ’s unity with the Father”. For this reason — he reminded us — it must not be confused with uniformity of thought, of sensitivity or of lifestyle. On the contrary, authentic Gospel-based unity values differences, respects the freedom and conscience of each person, and is built on mutual listening and the shared search for the will of God.
In this time, marked by deep polarisation, social tensions and armed conflicts, the Pope has pointed to unity as a true prophetic strength. A simple yet powerful seed, capable of combating “the poison of division” that pollutes hearts and relationships, through the Gospel-based witness of dialogue, forgiveness and peace. This is a call that we deeply feel as our own and which challenges every member of our Movement to be a force for reconciliation in everyday life.
With particular clarity, the Pope then outlined a specific responsibility for this post-foundational phase, that is, the period following the death of our foundress, Chiara Lubich. This is not a season that has now come to an end, but a time that is continuing and which calls for constant, mature and, above all, shared discernment. He urged us to distinguish what is essential to our charism from what, even if it was part of our history, is no longer necessary, or has shown over time its limits, ambiguities and shortcomings. This discernment — he emphasised — cannot be entrusted to a few people but involves the entire body of the Movement. The charism, in fact, is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and everyone has the right and the duty to feel jointly responsible for the Movement to which they have committed themselves with dedication.
I would also like to quote the words spoken by the new co-president, Fr Roberto Almada, as he commented on this part of the Pope’s address, recognising its great significance: he noted how the Pope had spoken to us “like a father”. He then added that the Pope has encouraged us on the path we have in fact been following for some years now – listening to those who have suffered and reviewing our procedures – but at the same time he has called us to a deeper conversion.
The conversion to which the Pope calls us begins with a personal change of mindset; it is therefore not merely a matter of reforming structures or institutions. At the heart of it all lies the way we live out our relationships, respect for the dignity of the person, and the correct exercise of roles of responsibility, lived as a service. In this sense, the Pope has reminded us that only a Gospel-based approach can allow the “beauty” of the Gospel to shine out in our relationships and structures.
I was particularly struck by Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on charity as the essential nourishment of unity. Referring to the First Letter to the Corinthians, he recalled that charity is patient, generous and respectful, and that without it, unity risks becoming meaningless. In these words, I recognised the heart of the intuition of Chiara Lubich, who saw in unity not merely a spiritual ideal, but the “rock” upon which the whole life of the Movement is based.
A new mandate is now beginning for the Focolare Movement; five years in which we feel that looking to the future means to embrace and to bring about a real turning point. A turning point that calls for personal and communitarian conversion, a renewed awareness of the cry of humanity today, and a commitment to bear witness to unity not so much through words as through our lives. Our General Assembly, which was made up of people representing all vocations, a variety of cultures, languages and nations, allowed us to experience the richness of a widespread shared responsibility and a new enthusiasm: signs that the Spirit is continuing to accompany us even during this delicate transition.
With deep gratitude, we therefore take to heart the Pope’s encouragement and his invitation to continue on this journey. We do so with humility and trust, confident that, if we live unity as a free gift and as a daily task, it will be able to contribute to the Church’s mission and increasingly become a force for peace for the world.
Margaret Karram President of the Focolare Movement
The arrival of Pope Leo XIV was greeted by a warm applause from the 320 participants at the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement, who had been received in audience at the Vatican. “With that applause,” said the newly elected Co-President, Roberto Almada, “we wanted to express our joy. I was struck by his appreciative and encouraging gaze towards all those who are part of the Movement: priests, families, young people and focolarini.
Right from the outset, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the root of the charism: “Each of you has been drawn to the charism of the Servant of God Chiara Lubich”. He emphasised that unity remains at the heart of the gift that the Holy Spirit offers to the Church and to the world today.
A people of peace called to be a shield against barbarism
The topic of peace featured prominently in the Pope’s message. He acknowledged that “also through you, God has, over the past decades, prepared a great people of peace”, who are called today “to act as a counterbalance and a shield against the many people who are sowing hatred, who are dragging humanity back into forms of barbarism and violence”. These words confirmed the work of the Assembly, which reflected on how to contribute more effectively to mending social bonds, overcoming polarisation, and promoting dialogue and fraternity in the areas where the Movement is present.
Margaret Karram, re-elected as President of the Movement, commented: “The Pope has once again emphasised how, today more than ever, there is a need for unity in a divided and war-torn world. He has placed even greater emphasis on the need to live out our vocation to fraternity more fully and more effectively. I was also struck by the Pope’s appreciation for the Movement’s work in the ecumenical and interfaith contexts, as well as in other areas.”
The responsibility of the post-foundation phase
A particularly significant point concerned the historic moment the Movement is currently going through. Pope Leo XIV recalled that: “You have been entrusted with the responsibility of keeping the charism of your Movement alive in the post-foundational phase”, a phase that does not end with the generation immediately following the foundress, but which “extends even further”. He urged the Movement to distinguish, with clarity and honesty, between what belongs to the essential core of the charism and what may change over time. He clearly stated that it is necessary to discern “which aspects of your community life and your apostolate are essential, and therefore must be maintained” and “which instruments and practices, although they have been in use for some time, are not essential to the charism… or have presented problematic aspects and therefore should be given up”.
The Pope’s words on transparency – a “prerequisite for credibility” and a right for all because the charism is a shared gift – have confirmed and reinforced a direction that had already developed in the Assembly. A Movement that adopts greater shared responsibility is the necessary step towards living out unity today.
A shared process of renewal: the guidelines for the next five years (2026–2031)
The reflection on the challenges and critical issues raised by the General Assembly has highlighted that at the root of many of the movement’s current problems lies an immature understanding of unity, the founding core of Chiara Lubich’s charism; for this reason, a process of re-evaluation and deeper reflection has been initiated at all levels.
In this context, the aim is: to work towards overcoming divisions and polarisation through the efforts of communities of the Focolare Movement living in local areas and on the “peripheries” of the world, in partnership with those who share the Gospel-based principle of unity through dialogue and collaboration; to support networks committed to promoting peace and education to non-violence; developing a integral vision of care for the planet and for people; strengthening families and communities as places of closeness and mutual support. Alongside this, it is essential to promote the ethical and responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence, involving people of all generations, and to value the contribution of young people and the richness that stems from the coming together of different experiences and sensitivities.
With an approach based on the quality of relationships, on transparency, on participation and on shared responsibility, the Movement renews its commitment to work so as to ensure that every place becomes a space for encounter and collaboration, at the service of the common good and of peace.
Today, the 20 general councillors of the Focolare Movement were elected; during the new term of office, they will support the President of the Focolare Movement in her role.
In accordance with the General Statutes, they, together with the President and the Co-President, are responsible for representing the entire Movement and expressing its unity.
They will be called upon to carry out the tasks entrusted to them by the President, in particular overseeing the practical aspects of the life of the Movement (summarised in the “seven colours”) and the support of the geographical subdivisions (the “zones”). Each one, in their own role, will have at heart the unity of the entire family of the Focolare Movement, safeguarding and promoting it at every step.
They will be called upon to carry out the tasks entrusted to them by the President, in particular overseeing the practical aspects of the life of the Movement (summarised in the “seven colours”) and the support of the geographical subdivisions (the “zones”). Each one, in their own role, will have at heart the unity of the entire family of the Focolare Movement, safeguarding and promoting it at every step.
Stefania Tanesini with the Multimedia and Linguistic Services Communication Team
In recent years, the Middle East has gone through one of the most difficult periods in its recent history.Wars, political instability and economic emergencies have affected millions of people, forcing entire families to leave their homes and putting access to the most basic necessities at risk. In this context, the projects supported through the funds raised for the Focolare Movement’s Middle East Emergency Appeal, implemented by AMUand AFN, sought to offer concrete responses to the most urgent needs, reaching a total of 3,337 people, thanks to the use of 362,754 euros allocated to humanitarian interventions.
Gaza: Supporting the Displaced
October 7, 2023 marked the beginning of a new phase of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. According to the United Nations, about 90% of the population has been forced to leave their homes and almost the entire population is now facing extreme levels of food insecurity.
In collaboration with the local network, in particular with the Caritas organization in Jordan and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, it was possible to support 1,750 displaced people. The interventions involved the purchase and distribution of basic necessities, food assistance and the welcoming of hundreds of people in two parishes. In addition to food and medicine, a safe place was provided where people could find shelter and care.
In 2024, the intensification of conflicts in southern Lebanon resulted in over one million displaced people. Many families had to leave everything and seek refuge elsewhere.
Thanks to the collaboration with the local Humanité Nouvelle association, 195 people were welcomed at the “La Sorgente” Mariapolis Centre and at the Institut de Réducation Audio-Phonétique (IRAP), in the province of Beirut. Here, displaced people received accommodation, food, medical assistance, clothing and hygiene supplies.
Particular attention was paid to children and young people: 7 classes were organized for 39 students up to the age of 15, allowing them to continue their education even during displacement. Recreational activities, moments of sharing and initiatives promoted by young volunteers helped to create spaces of hope in a situation marked by uncertainty.
Also in Lebanon, the SOSTENIAMOLibano (Let’s Support Lebanon) project was continued. It was established to help people cover the cost of medical treatment in an increasingly fragile healthcare system. The project reached 112 beneficiaries, offering help for the purchase of medicines, psychological support and assistance for hospital treatment.
Another intervention supported small local agricultural producers. Through the “From All Lebanon to All Lebanon” initiative, agricultural and artisanal products were purchased from small producers and distributed to displaced families in the Beirut metropolitan area. This project involved 80 people, contributing both to food support and to the protection of local economic activities.
After more than fourteen years of war, Syria continues to experience an extremely fragile situation. In 2024, during a phase of political transition, many families suddenly found themselves without access to money due to the temporary closure of banks.
Thanks to the local network of the Focolare Movement, it was possible to offer financial support to 305 families in Aleppo, Damascus, Homs and other cities, reaching around 1,200 people. The contribution enabled them to meet their most urgent daily expenses such as food, medicines and basic necessities.
A concrete sign of closeness
Beyond the numbers, these projects above all tell stories of solidarity and collaboration between local and international realities. The goal was not only to respond to the immediate emergency, but also to strengthen community bonds and support the resilience of the people involved.
Prepared by Emergency Coordination Team of the Focolare Movement
To make a contribution to the Middle East Emergency click here
Following on from the confirmation of their election, Margaret Karram and Roberto Almada have relaunched a joint commitment: to revitalise relationships, overcome indifference and walk together for peace.
“With the grace of God and the help of all of you, I accept. I was deeply moved in today’s liturgy by Psalm 94: “O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts”. In response to this new call, I renew my “yes”, my full commitment to God together with all of you, at the service of the Church, the Movement and humanity ”.
These were Margaret Karram’s first words, just minutes after her election as President of the Focolare Movement on the 12th of March 2026, for a second five-year term.
She was re-elected by the 261 participants with the right to vote, representing the Focolare communities from all five continents, who are taking part in the General Assembly from the 1st to the 21st of March.
The new Co-President is Roberto Almada, an Argentine focolarino who is a priest, who was also elected by a two-thirds majority. He succeeds Jesús Morán, who has completed his second and final term (in accordance with the Decree of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life of the 11th of June 2021).
“I accept this election with the grace of God and the protection of the Virgin Mary,” said Almada, “and I will give it my all, with my strength, my intelligence and my heart; you can count on me!”
The elections were confirmed by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, as the competent authority of the Holy See, in accordance with the General Statutes of the Focolare Movement (Work of Mary, Articles 79 and 88).
Margaret Karram, a life dedicated to dialogue
Margaret Karram is the third President of the Focolare Movement, after its foundress, Chiara Lubich. She succeeded Maria Voce in 2021. Maria Voce passed away on the 20th of June last year.
Margaret is a Christian Arab born in Haifa, Israel, she grew up in a multi-religious environment, developing from a young age a strong commitment to dialogue between different cultures and faiths. She graduated in Judaism from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles (USA), before taking on positions of responsibility in the Movement in the Holy Land, while also working for 14 years at the Italian Consulate General in Jerusalem.
Internationally recognised for her contribution to interreligious dialogue – Mount Zion Award (2013) and Saint Rita Award (2016) – she participated in the Invocation for Peace in the Vatican Gardens in 2014 with Pope Francis and the Israeli and Palestinian presidents. She was elected President of the Focolare Movement for a first term in 2021 and has strengthened the Movement’s action in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. She met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and participated as a guest in the recent Synod of the Catholic Church.
In 2023, she was appointed Member of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life. She has travelled to Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific to meet with Focolare communities and organisations engaged in interreligious dialogue. Among her most recent visits were Genfest 2024 in Brazil, the peace forum in the United States in 2025 and the international conference for the tenth anniversary of Laudato si’. Co-author with Monica Mondo of the book Per non sfiorarci invano [So as not to pass each other by in vain] (2023, Ed. Francescane), in 2025 she published Prossimità, via alla pace – Pagine di vita [Closeness, the path to peace – Pages of life] (Ed. Città Nuova), dedicated to the culture of fraternity and dialogue.
Roberto Almada is the new Co-President of the Focolare Movement
Roberto Almada is an Argentine focolarino who is a priest, psychiatrist and psychotherapist. With a doctorate in philosophy, he was one of the promoters of the School of Logotherapy in Uruguay and Paraguay. He is part of the group that coordinates spiritual and psychological accompaniment programmes at the Sophia University Institute for Latin America and the Caribbean and at the Logos Institute in Caserta (Italy). His pastoral activity has focused on the family through the New Families Movement, where he follows projects accompanying couples.
Author of the book El cansancio de los buenos [The Weariness of the Good], which explores the dynamics of burnout and has been translated into several languages (in Italy: “Il burnout del buon samaritano” [The Burnout of the Good Samaritan], published by Effatà), and co-author of Desafío Parejas [The Challenge of Married Couples], both published by Ciudad Nueva. He served as a collaborator at the International Centre of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa (Italy) from 1999 to 2009 and as a Councillor for the same Centre from 2014 to 2021. Until 2026, he lived in Buenos Aires, working for the Movement in the Southern Cone in the areas of evangelisation, supporting local communities where he facilitated processes of reorganisation, of cohesion and of study.
He has gained considerable experience in ecclesial and educational settings across various Latin American countries, including Colombia, El Salvador, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina; supporting priests, religious communities and Catholic teachers through courses and spiritual retreats, with a particular focus on offering support during times of pastoral burnout and helping them rediscover the meaning of their mission. He has also worked in youth ministry and in the social sector with migrants.
Role of the President of the Focolare Movement
According to the General Statutes, the Presidency will always be entrusted to a woman focolarina who has taken perpetual vows: a choice that reflects the lay and female leadership envisaged by the foundress, Chiara Lubich, and confirmed by Saint John Paul II. The President is called to accompany, “in a spirit of unity”, the Focolare communities present in 150 countries, which embrace the Gospel message of universal fraternity within a context of cultural, social and religious diversity. Her tasks include guiding and directing a movement that addresses the local and global challenges of our time and is called in particular to heal the personal and social divisions of humanity. The Statutes also outline the way in which the President is to exercise her responsibility: a leadership based on service and Gospel-based charity, in accordance with Jesus’ invitation to be a servant to all (see Mark 10:44). She is called to be a bridge-builder, a promoter of unity and a witness to the central message of the spirituality of the Focolare Movement, acting as its spokesperson with coherence and dedication.
The task of the Co-President
The Co-President – elected from among the focolarini who are priests in the Focolare Movement – is called first and foremost to work in close collaboration with the President, sharing decisions with her and helping to ensure the Movement’s discernment and unity. Alongside this primary role, the Co-President collaborates in the general guidance of the Movement, offering his input on the most significant issues and ensuring that the life of the Movement is fully in line with the faith and doctrine of the Church.
The Assembly of the Focolare Movement continues
Over the coming days, the Assembly shall also elect the Focolare Movement’s new governing body – the general councillors, who will serve as the President’s closest collaborators – and shall discuss proposed amendments to the General Statutes.
On the 21st of March, the participants and observers of the Assembly will be received in a private audience by Pope Leo XIV.
