2026 will mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Città Nuova magazine. It was the 14th of July 1956 when, in Fiera di Primiero in northern Italy, during a summer meeting of the Focolare Movement called Mariapolis, the foundress and first president of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich, had the idea of creating a “newsletter” so that all the participants could keep in contact.
Since then, thousands of publications have followed, and Città Nuova has always been committed to looking at the facts, reading and exploring current events from the perspective of universal fraternity. It is committed to dialogue on uncomfortable issues, to be close to the most fragile and the forgotten, to build bridges, to be present in the wounds of humanity, to highlight seeds of peace and hope, with a global horizon that looks towards a united world.
As the Movement spread throughout the world, editions were launched in different countries. Today there are 32 editions in 21 languages, both in print and online.
Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, addressed a video message on the 7th of January 2026 in which she stated that “today, faced with the terrible threats of our time – wars, polarisation of all kinds, environmental crises, an economy often based on exploitation, ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence – Città Nuova still and always chooses dialogue:
it chooses peace as a difficult but essential pursuit,
it chooses to believe that every encounter, every thought, every word can contribute to changing the direction of the world.”
Here is the complete video message. Activate the subtitles and choose the language you desire.
In a time, which is still marked by divisions of every kind, may the joy of serving, sharing and reciprocity be renewed in all of us this Christmas, through real gestures, especially towards those who suffer. We want to commit ourselves to live a Christmas characterised by fraternity and closeness, by sowing hope for the future.
In the light of the recent positive news regarding the agreement for the Gaza Strip, I want to express my sincere hope that this represents a first step toward a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace.
There is certainly still a long way to go, yet in this moment my thoughts are with the hostages, the Palestinian prisoners and the residents of Gaza. We trust that they may begin again to glimpse a renewed hope for a life worthy of its name.
We also hope that those entrusted with the fate of nations will continue to make decisions guided by the highest good we possess: life itself.
We commit to joining our efforts, both practically and spiritually, with all those who are working tirelessly for a better world. In this spirit, we want to unite to the Day of Prayer for Peace proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, to be held on the 11th of October.
The 16th of July is a significant day for the Focolare Movement. In fact, it is the anniversary of the Pact of Unity between Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Movement, and Igino Giordani, whom she considered a co-founder. It took place on the 16th of July 1949.
On this anniversary, Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, addressed the following message to all those who belong to the Movement around the world.
To learn more about the origin and the significance of the Pact of Unity,click here.
The General Assembly of the Work of Mary, the Focolare Movement, takes place every five years.
The upcoming one will take place from the 1st to the 21st of March 2026.
It is an opportunity to respond to the vocation of the Focolare Movement: to live for unity. This is one of the most important events: during the Assembly the new governing body of the Focolare Movement will be elected and the work done will provide an opportunity to talk about ideas, proposals and motions that will be the guidelines for the Movement over the next five years.
The preparation process is beginning: we are all called to do our part.
Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, explains through this video message how we can prepare ourselves in a synodal way.
Here is a video with infographics to better understand what the Assembly is, how it will be carried out and how to prepare for this important appointment.
I am writing to you with great sorrow and profound emotion to inform you that today, at 5:22 p.m., God called to Himself our Emmaus, Maria Voce, the first president of the Focolare Movement after Chiara Lubich.
She concluded her holy journey in Rocca di Papa, in her home, surrounded by the care and love of the focolarine of her focolare and the prayers of us all. Today, in the early afternoon, Jesús and I were able to visit her for one last time. She was serene.
A great affection and immense esteem bind me to her because of her donation to God in the Work of Mary right to the end.
Since my election as President, her closeness, which was so discreet but ever present, always accompanied me, supporting me with her advice so full of Wisdom. She was present on the most varied occasions, celebrations, anniversaries, journeys; she assured me of her prayers, the offering of her life and often she would send me a gift, a flower or one of her poems.
She received the name “Emmaus” from Chiara, recalling the experience of the Risen Lord walking with us. This name characterised her whole life. Indeed, she affirmed: “How do we do the Work of God? With Jesus in the midst!”
Her inspiring faithfulness to Chiara’s charism, her courage in facing numerous challenges, and her belief in unity, in communion, remain etched in our hearts.
Her human, spiritual and sapiential calibre has been acknowledged by the most varied religious and civil authorities: from Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis; from the leaders of the various Churches to representatives of other religions and cultures.
Her funeral will be held on Monday, 23rd of June at 3.00 p.m. (Italian time) at the International Centre in Rocca di Papa.
Let us remain united in the love that binds Heaven and earth!
