Pope to Focolare: Be a counterweight to violence and hatred

In these times affected by conflicts and divisions, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Focolare movement to be witnesses of unity within their structures and throughout the world, while respecting the freedom and conscience of each person.

“We are in great need of this spirit of unity today, because the poison of division and conflict tends to corrupt hearts and social relationships and must be countered by the Gospel witness of unity, dialogue, forgiveness, and peace,” he said in his address at the Vatican on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The Pope was meeting with the members of the Focolare movement who participated in the body’s General Assembly, which took place in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, from March 1 to 21.

“Through you as well, God has, over the past decades, prepared a great people of peace, who at this very moment in history are called to act as a counterweight and a barrier against the many sowers of hatred who are dragging humanity back toward forms of barbarism and violence.”

The Focolare movement, officially known as the Work of Mary, is an international organization focused on spiritual and social renewal, founded by the Italian Servant of God, Chiara Lubich, in 1943. Today it is present in 140 countries and organized in 15 geographical areas.

The president, Margaret Karram, elected during the General Assembly for a second mandate, and the newly chosen co-president, Father Roberto Almada, were both present at the meeting with the Pope, along with other members of the movement.