Rocca di Papa, 16 July 2025., To the Focolare Movement around the world
Dear everyone,
Once again, this year, the 16th of July, the anniversary of the Pact of Unity between Chiara and Igino Giordani (Foco), falls at a time when humanity is threatened by increasing violence and despair. We have prayed a lot or incessantly so that peace might come about soon, yet in many countries, there is still much suffering because of ongoing conflicts.
However, I sense in my soul that this day, which is so meaningful for the Movement, can instil a new hope in us. The mystical experience of Paradise was opened up for Chiara in that Pact of 1949, in which God also showed her what contribution the newborn Movement could offer to humanity, through the spirituality of unity.
That is why I feel in my heart that each one of us has a great responsibility: to embody that most sublime Pact in our daily lives, so as to “embroider patterns of light on the crowd, and at the same time, to share with our neighbour the shame, the hunger, the afflictions and the brief joys”.
This year as we continue to deepen the theme of “closeness” and live the Jubilee of Hope, let’s take the opportunity to open wide the doors of our hearts to every brother and sister, to help communion grow and to renew our communities.
The same goes for our relationships, both personal and communal. May they ever more reflect that invitation of the Apostle Paul to the Romans: “love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour” (see Rm 12:10).
This is precisely how we will live out that “nothingness of love” which is the basis of the Pact. I am certain that this will bring fruits of peace within us, in the Movement and in the world.
This will be the best preparation for the upcoming General Assembly of the Focolare Movement in March 2026, which will help us to discern the ways forward in the near future.
Best wishes to all in celebrating the feast day of the Pact!
