Violence – even verbal violence – seems to be increasingly characteristic of our age. On social media, divisions go viral and create even more hatred, accentuate polarization and shut the door on dialogue. It is not easy to break out of this cycle. Phil lives in Tucson, Arizona, and Laura is from Boston. Politically, they are on opposite sides, but they share the charism of unity and a commitment to living the Gospel every day. Here they recount how they have experienced that not only words, but also sincere listening can open gaps in the walls of the most stubborn convictions.
From October 1–3, 2025, Castel Gandolfo (Italy) will host the international conference “Raising Hope for Climate Justice”, a historic gathering to mark the tenth anniversary of the Laudato Si’ encyclical and to foster a global response to the climate and ecological crisis from the perspectives of faith, politics, and civil society.
The event will feature His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, alongside prominent leaders such as Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with bishops, international agency officials, indigenous leaders, climate and biodiversity experts, and civil society representatives. Over three days, the conference will include keynotes, panel discussions, spiritual moments, and cultural events that highlight both the progress made since Laudato Si’ and the urgent steps needed ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
“In a time marked by global challenges and deep wounds, our commitment for unity and peace cannot exclude a pursuit of climate justice that places human dignity and care for creation at its core.” This is the declaration of Margaret Karram, the President of the Focolare Movement, who is one of the event’s partners. She continues, “As Focolare Movement, we want to collaborate with everyone, in protecting and safeguarding our common home, and with a new responsibility we want to live closeness to the poor and solidarity among the generations for a sustainable future.”
The event will be held in person at Castel Gandolfo and streamed live, enabling thousands of people and media outlets worldwide to follow the main messages and join the global conversation.
Gen Rosso, one of the Focolare Movement’s international bands, has announced the release of a new album entitled “The Best Spirituals”. This collection marks a significant moment in their career, bringing together live versions of some of the most famous songs from the band’s spiritual repertoire, recorded during tours from 2020-2025. The album stands out both for the selection of songs and for the new arrangements and reinterpretations which give a contemporary voice to timeless melodies.
Each track has been carefully reinterpreted to engage today’s listeners while preserving the heart of the “Spirituals” tradition. The live recordings capture the energy of the stage, the emotion of the moment and the deep connection between the artists and the audience, inviting listeners into an experience of hope and closeness.
“Seeing these songs continue to live and generate life even today is something wonderful and very important, a legacy that must be valued and preserved over time,” says Band. This desire to keep the tradition alive is reflected in Gen Rosso’s concerts, where audiences are encouraged to sing along and participate, transforming each performance into a shared celebration of joy. “The Best Spirituals” is not just an album; it is an invitation to rediscover time and time again, the beauty and relevance of these powerful messages. With rich harmonies, vibrant arrangements, and renewed rhythms, Gen Rosso continues to further its passion for music, paying tribute to a musical and cultural heritage that transcends time and generations.
The release of this album is an unmissable opportunity for fans of Gen Rosso music and for anyone who believes in the power of art as a force for unity and change.
Gen Rosso invites everyone to join them on this particular musical journey, rediscovering together the timeless value of the “Spirituals” and letting themselves be carried away by the emotions that only music and history together will be able to evoke. The album is available from 11 August on all digital platforms.
